About the Artist

Abbate was amongst the leading masters of the first School of Fontainebleau. He began studying sculpture under the guidance of Antonio Begarelli, and then was influenced by the paintings of Dosso Dossi, Parmigianino and most likely also Correggio. In 1552 he came to Fontainebleau where he painted the Galerie d'Ulysse and the Gallery of Henry the 2nd. He also painted portraits, mythical subjects as well as creating designs for buildings and fine gold work and tapestries for the royal factory. His paintings have contributed to the spread of Italian Mannerism in France. They include Young man with Parrot, after 1552, Kunthistoriches Museum, Vienna; Rescue of Moses, Musee du Louvre, Paris and Artistaeus and Eurydice, 1566-1570, National Gallery, London.