Anthony Toto facts for kids
Anthony Toto, whose real name was Antonio di Nunziato d'Antonio (born 1498, died 1554), was a talented Italian painter and architect. He worked for the English royal family during the time of King Henry VIII.
Anthony Toto came from Florence, Italy. He learned his artistic skills from a famous painter named Ridolfo Ghirlandajo. He arrived in England around 1519 and became an English citizen in 1543. He was one of many artists from other countries who worked for the Tudor kings and queens. In 1543, he was given an important job called Serjeant Painter. The English people found his Italian name a bit tricky, so they usually called him "Antony Toto." In Italy, he was known as "Toto di Nunziato."
Early Life and Art Training
Anthony Toto's father was Nunziata d'Antonio, who was also a painter in Florence. Sadly, none of his father's artworks still exist today. We don't know much about his father's work, but he was mentioned by a famous writer named Vasari.
In 1519, Toto became an assistant to Pietro Torrigiano, another artist who was already working in England. Vasari wrote that Toto had worked in the art studio of Ridolfo Ghirlandaio, his teacher. While there, Toto painted several pictures that were sent to England. He also had a colleague named Bartolommeo Penni.
On September 28, 1519, Toto's father agreed for his son to work abroad with Pietro Torrigiani for four and a half years. Toto was just over 21 years old at this time.
Working for the Tudor Kings
Anthony Toto and Bartolommeo Penni likely started working for King Henry VIII after Cardinal Wolsey lost his power in 1529. King Henry VIII made Toto his Serjeant Painter. This was a very important role, and Toto kept the job until he died during the reign of King Edward VI. He was the first Serjeant Painter who was known more as a true artist than just a craftsman.
None of Toto's paintings are known to have survived today. However, we know about some of the artworks he gave as New Year's gifts to King Henry VIII. These gifts were probably his own paintings. For example, in 1538 or 1539, he gave a painting called Calumny of Apelles. In 1540 or 1541, he gave a painting called Story of King Alexander. Later, in 1552, he painted a portrait of a duke on silver cloth for King Edward VI.
Toto and Penni likely spent time after 1538 working on Nonsuch Palace. This was King Henry VIII's most advanced building, and it featured detailed stucco work. Sadly, this palace no longer exists. Anthony Toto also worked on royal parties and events for both Henry VIII and Edward VI. He was known for drawing designs for costumes and masks used in these celebrations.
Anthony Toto was married and had at least one daughter named Winifred. She later married Sir Charles Calthorpe, who was a judge. Toto was clearly valued by the Crown because he became a wealthy man. He owned several properties, including a large estate called Ravensbury.
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