Illustrators Mannerism


Luciano Borzone was an Italian painter of the late Mannerist and early Baroque periods, working mainly in Genoa. After an apprenticeship with Filippo Bertolotto, his uncle, Duke Alberigo of Massa Lunigiana, patronised his work as a pupil of Cesare Corte.
Luciano Bordzone was an outstanding portrait painter. In Genoa he painted the Purification for the church of San Domenico and the Baptism of Christ for the church of Santo Spirito.


Bernardo Castello (or Castelli) was an Italian painter of the late-Mannerist style, active mainly in Genoa and Liguria. He is mainly known as a portrait and historical painter. He was apprenticed under Andrea Semino and Luca Cambiaso, then travelled throughout Italy, meeting other painters and creating his own particular style. During his career he painted many works and was appreciated by famous poets with whom he had friendships. Beside working in Genoa, Castello was employed in Rome and worked also for the Duke of Savoy, Charles Emmanuel I.


Giuseppe Franco, an Italian painter active between 1565 and 1628, remains an enigmatic figure in the rich tapestry of art history. Known by various names, including Giuseppe Franchi, Giuseppe Monti, and Giuseppe dalle Lodole, his diverse monikers reflect the multifaceted nature of his work and the period's artistic fluidity.
Rooted in the transition from the Renaissance to the Baroque, Franco's artistry is characterized by its dynamic compositions and emotional intensity. While specific details of his oeuvre are less documented, his known works suggest a mastery of form and color, embodying the evolving styles of his time. Franco's paintings, presumably found in Italian churches and private collections, would offer a glimpse into the religious and cultural narratives prevalent during his lifetime.
Franco's contributions to art and culture are significant for their historical context and the light they shed on the period's aesthetic developments. His style, indicative of the early Baroque's emerging vibrancy, would have played a role in the transition from the classical harmony of the Renaissance to the expressive drama of the Baroque.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Giuseppe Franco's works represent a fascinating puzzle piece of history, bridging gaps between known artistic milestones. His paintings, if extant, would be prized not only for their beauty but also for their historical value, offering insights into the era's shifting paradigms.
To explore the mystery and beauty of Giuseppe Franco's art and to stay informed about potential discoveries, sales, and auction events related to his work, signing up for updates is recommended. This subscription ensures direct access to the latest information, catering specifically to enthusiasts of historic art and antiques.


Paul Mersmann was a German sculptor, painter, and writer, renowned for his unique contributions to art and culture. His early works, created around 1960, exhibit a transition from late surrealism to mannerism, showcasing a deep engagement with European post-baroque painting. Notably, Mersmann's paintings, such as "Furore," reflect the horrors of war through a psychological lens rather than realistic depictions.
In the 1980s, Paul Mersmann embarked on a series of murals, including notable works in the Villa Glücklich in Wiesbaden and the "Hic est finis maris" mural in Schaidt. His art provides a profound commentary on the nature of art and its evolving context throughout history. These pieces are celebrated for their originality and complexity, offering a rich narrative that blends artistic expression with cultural and historical insights.
Paul Mersmann's contributions extended beyond painting to include watercolor works and sculptures, such as the "Adlermensch" and "Rosmerta" from the late 1980s and early 1990s. His diverse body of work reflects a deep intellectual engagement with art, making his contributions invaluable to collectors and experts in the fields of art and antiques.
For those interested in exploring Mersmann's legacy further, his works and their significance offer a fascinating journey into the intersection of art, culture, and history. To stay informed about new product sales and auction events related to Paul Mersmann, consider signing up for updates, ensuring you remain connected to the evolving narrative of this distinguished artist's impact on the art world.


Hans Mielich was a German painter of the late Renaissance, mid-16th century. He is known as a painter, graphic artist, and court painter to Duke Albrecht V of Bavaria.
Mielich painted many religious paintings, portraits, and historical canvases (usually on boards), and he also decorated altars in churches. After a trip to Rome, his style became close to Italian Mannerism. His most famous work is the altarpiece of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Ingolstadt. He was also famous as the author of miniatures for manuscripts, including the Duchess Anna of Bavaria's Treasure Book, made for Duke Albrecht V and his wife Anna of Bavaria in 1555. In the same year, Milich became head of the Munich Artists' Guild.


Jan van der Straet (Italian: Giovanni Stradano, Latin: Stradanus) was a Flemish and Italian Mannerist painter.
Van der Straet is best known for his large-scale frescoes, which decorate several important buildings in Florence and Rome. He also created numerous prints and paintings on a variety of subjects, including mythology, biblical scenes, and historical events.
One of his most famous works is a series of prints called Nova Reperta (New Discoveries), which depict some of the major technological advancements of the 16th century, such as the printing press, the compass, and the telescope. The series was highly influential and helped to spread knowledge and awareness of these new technologies throughout Europe.
Van der Straet was a highly skilled artist and his works are known for their attention to detail and realism. He was also a skilled draftsman and many of his drawings and sketches have survived to this day. His influence can be seen in the works of many later artists, including Rubens and Rembrandt.


Otto van Veen was a painter, draughtsman, and humanist active primarily in Antwerp and Brussels in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He is known for running a large studio in Antwerp, producing several emblem books, and for being, from 1594 or 1595 until 1598, Peter Paul Rubens' teacher. His role as a classically educated humanist artist (a pictor doctus), reflected in the Latin name by which he is often known, Octavius Vaenius, was influential on the young Rubens, who would take on that role himself.