Pollaiuolo, ANTONIO

Pollaiuolo, ANTONIO, goldsmith, medallist, metal-caster, and painter, was born at Florence in 1429, and died at Rome in 1498, whither he had been summoned to cast a sepulchral monument for Pope Sixtus IV., and where he also cast a similar one for Pope Innocent VIII. (died 1492), both in St Peter's, and both works of great merit. Antonio's pictures—the best being 'Hercules slaying the Hydra,' 'Hercules destroying Antæus,' and 'St Sebastian'—are distinguished for the life and vigour of their drawing.—His brother PIETRO, born at Florence in 1443, and died at Rome in 1496, was generally associated with him in his work, though he devoted most attention to painting. To him are attributed an altarpiece introducing SS. James, Vincent, and Eustace (if indeed it is not mainly by the other brother), an Annunciation, a Coronation of the Virgin, and the Five Virtues.