Portrait of a Young Man (by Agnolo Bronzino) - Musée des Beaux-Arts, Nantes

Agnolo di Cosimo, better known as Bronzino, was an Italian painter of the Mannerist period. He was born in Florence in 1503 and trained under the artist Jacopo da Pontormo. Bronzino's works are characterised by an elegant and refined style, with an emphasis on idealised beauty and complex compositions. Bronzino's most famous works include his portraits, which were highly sought after by the rich and powerful of his day. His portraits are known for their cool detachment and psychological complexity, with the sitters often depicted with a sense of aloofness or distance. In addition to portraiture, Bronzino also painted religious and mythological scenes, as well as allegorical works exploring themes of love, beauty and death. His use of colour and light was highly innovative, and he was renowned for his ability to create intricate detail and texture. Bronzino died in Florence in 1572, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important painters of the Mannerist period. His works continue to be admired for their beauty, elegance and technical mastery.