Pontormo (Jacopo Carrucci da Pontormo)

Jacopo Carrucci, known as Pontormo, was an Italian Mannerist painter active during the Renaissance. He is recognized for his innovative use of color and composition, which marked a departure from the balanced forms of High Renaissance art. Pontormo was born in 1494 in Pontormo, a small town near Florence, and died in 1557 in Florence. He trained under Leonardo da Vinci and later worked with Michelangelo, which influenced his distinctive style. His notable works include 'The Deposition from the Cross' and 'Joseph in Egypt,' both of which showcase his unique approach to figures and emotional expression. Pontormo's significance lies in his role in the development of Mannerism, characterized by elongated forms and complex poses, which paved the way for later developments in European art.