Giambologna was the leading sculptor of the age of Mannerism (middle 16th to the early 17th century) and, as such, the link between Michelangelo and Bernini. His genius and originality lay in composition, notably the group sculpture. The sculptor also produced important religious works.
Background
Bologna was born Jean Boulogne at Douai, Picardy, in what is now northern France but in what was then the duchy of Flanders. Though always recognized in his adopted country as Fiammingo--a Fleming--he was dubbed "Giambologna," the colloquial, abbreviated form of the literal Italian translation of his name, "Giovanni Bologna."
Education
Giambologna received his early training in the studio of the Flemish sculptor Jacques Dubroeucq.
Career
At 14 Giambologna apprenticed himself to the sculptor Dubroeucq. In about 1550, to broaden his background, he traveled to Rome. There he studied both Renaissance art (Michelangelo was a strong influence) and the Graeco-Roman antiquities that inspired it. After two years he moved to Florence, where the patronage of the Medici dukes enabled him to establish his career.
Much of the actual execution of his works can be attributed to his assistants, expertly trained by the master to produce the finished product on the basis of his models in wax and clay (the best collection of which is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London).