This is a preparatory drawing for a fresco in the basilica of Sant?Andrea in Mantua. Prior to the discovery of this drawing the attribution of the fresco was unknown, but it has now been firmly ascribed to Brusasorci, together with the scene of the `Birth of the Virgin? on the opposite wall. The high degree of finish suggests that this drawing may have served as the model (`modello?) or final design to be shown to a patron for approval before being squared for enlargement.
Domenico Brusasorci (Domenico Riccio) (Italian, about 1515 - 1567)
Believed to have trained initially with his father, Brusasorci became one of the leading artists of mid-sixteenth century Verona. He painted large-scale altarpieces and frescoes for the city and its surrounding region. Brusasorci?s work reflects a wide variety of influences, from Parmigianino and Giulio Romano to Titian. He was largely responsible for introducing the Mannerist style into the local Veronese tradition. Brusasorci was considered a particularly modern artist in his own time; his colourful approach was innovative, and he remained consistently devoted to the fashionable style of Mannerism throughout his career.
