Bugiardini, Giuliano (Italian, 1475 – 1577)

Giuliano Bugiardini (January 29, 1475 – February 17, 1577) was an Italian painter of the late-Renaissance period known as Mannerism, active mainly in Florence. Also known as Giuliano di Piero di Simone, he may have initially apprenticed with a sculptor Bertoldo, but then apprenticed with the painter Domenico Ghirlandaio. In 1503, he joined the painter's guild, the Compagnia di San Luca, and began an association with Mariotto Albertinelli that continued until 1509, when Albertinelli moved to the studio of Fra Bartolomeo. Bugiardini’s Virgin and Child can be seen in the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Vasari mentioned Bugiardini assisted Michelangelo very briefly in 1508 with the painting of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. He also painted in Bologna in 1526–1530. 

An Italian painter and draughtsman, Bugiardini was associated with Mannerist style of painting Florence. Born, Giuliano di Piero di Simone Bugiardini, also known as Giuliano di Piero di Simone. His early training may have begun with the sculptor Bertoldo, but he is documented to have been apprentice to the influential Florentine Domenico Ghirlandaio (1449 – 1494), he most likely associated with Michelangelo (1475 – 1564). 

Ghirlandaio’s influence is most evident in Bugiardini’s early work, including an altarpiece in the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence depicting the Nativity, commissioned by the Castellani family. His works then began to absorb other influences, primarily befriending Mariotto Albertinelli (1474 – 1515), who exposed Bugiardini to the influence of Fra Bartolomeo (1472 – 1517). His work Virgin and Child, shows the influence of Raphael’s (1483 – 1520) works in Florence, as well as Michelangelo’s influence in his Martyrdom of Saint Catherine, painted for the Church of Santa Maria Novella in Florence. According to the Biographer of Michelangelo, Giorgio Vasari (1511 – 1574), Bugiardini aided Michelangelo very briefly in the painting of his masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel. 

Bugiardini was well regarded, having joined the Compagnia di San Luca, painter’s guild, he met Albertinelli. Some of his best known works, were three separate pieces, all titled Virgin and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist. His work, Portrait of a Woman, called “The Nun”, now in the Uffizi Gallery, show the artist also had a subtle talent as portraitist. Some of his other noted works include, Rape of Diana and an altarpiece, Madonna with the Madgalen and Saint John the Baptist.