By Anne Leader
Florentine artist Franciabigio was born on this day in 1484 in Florence. The son of a linen weaver, Franciabigio is thought to have trained with Mariotto Albertinelli. He also worked with Andrea del Sarto in the first decades of the 16th century. Known for his religious scenes and portraits, Franciabigio also looked to Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael for inspiration. His career was cut short by a relatively early death, which Vasari says was brought on by plague fever.
Reference: Andrew John Martin. “Franciabigio.” Grove Art Online. Oxford Art Online. Oxford University Press, http://www.oxfordartonline.com/subscriber/article/grove/art/T029630.