Rosso Fiorentino, Dead Christ with Angels (1524-1525)

After the death of Pope Julius II in 1513, two Medici popes were elected in succession: Leo X and Clement VII. They both brought and encouraged an influx of artists from Florence to Rome, particularly of a group of Florentine artists that developed the “mannerist” techniques. This had the effect of spreading an interesting, but essentially regional, artistic development across an international stage – linking their work with the Papacy and, through the popes, with the mass of diplomats, visiting princes and aristocrats, cardinals and bishops.

Amongst the artists that were given the Papal boost were Rosso Fiorentino (1494-1541), Parmigianino (1503-1540) and Giulio Romano (1499-1546).