About the Artist

Florence born Alessandro Allori's real name was Alessandro di Cristoforo de Lorenzo Allori, he also called himself Il Bronzino after his uncle and teacher Agnolo Bronzino, who had a strong influence on his work. Another major artistic influence was Michelangelo, whose works he studied during a sojourn in Rome from 1554 to 1559. The painters of Antwerp school were an additional source of inspiration for him. In the 1560s Allori adjusted his painting style to fit the ideals of the Counter-Reformation. His skillful nudes, painted after 1570, show him to be typical Mannerist and bought him many commissions in Florence and elsewhere. Important works by the artist include Hercules and Muses, 1568 Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence and St. Fiacritus, c. 1602, San Spritu, Florence.