Bartolomeo Ligozzi was an Italian painter, illustrator, and designer, known for his intricate and detailed naturalistic illustrations as well as his work in the Mannerist style. Born in Verona in 1547 into a family of artists, Ligozzi was exposed to the world of art from a young age. He moved to Florence in his early twenties to work for the Medici court, which was a major center of the arts during the Renaissance.
Ligozzi's work for the Medici included designing costumes, floats for parades, and decorations for festivals, in addition to painting. He became particularly noted for his detailed botanical and zoological illustrations, which reflected the Medici's interest in the natural sciences. These illustrations were valuable for scientific study as well as being appreciated as art for their beauty and precision.
Aside from his naturalistic work, Ligozzi also painted religious subjects in a Mannerist style, which was characterized by elongated forms, unusual spatial arrangements, and vivid colors. He completed several altarpieces and religious works for churches in Florence and other Italian cities.
Despite his contributions to art and science, Bartolomeo Ligozzi is not as well-known as some of his contemporaries. Nonetheless, his work provides an important insight into the interests and aesthetics of the late Renaissance period in Italy. Ligozzi died in Florence in 1627, leaving behind a legacy of work that continues to be studied for its contributions to both art and natural history.