Francesco Primaticcio

Primaticcio developed a figure style that defined the Fontainebleau school. His approach involved the creation of willowy figures with long, tapering limbs and graceful, swan-like necks. Influenced by his time working with Giulio Romano in Mantua and his exposure to the style of Parmigianino, he favoured sensuous postures and a sense of nonchalance in his subjects. His work often combined painting with stucco, moving away from abrupt movements to favour figures that sway within their decorative frames.

Modern collectors appreciate Primaticcio for his contribution to the Mannerist aesthetic. His work, such as the print Juno Awakening Sleep, demonstrates his command of classical form and fluid composition. These pieces offer a connection to the decorative programmes of the French Renaissance, providing a clear example of the stylistic shifts that occurred as Italian artistic traditions were integrated into the French court.