Jacopo Sansovino Facts for Kids

Portrait of Jacopo Sansovino by Tintoretto.

Main façade of the Biblioteca Marciana, facing the Doge's Palace

The Loggetta of Campanile di San Marco, Venice (reconstructed).

Jacopo d'Antonio Sansovino (born July 2, 1486 – died November 27, 1570) was a famous Italian sculptor and architect. He is best known for his amazing buildings and sculptures around Piazza San Marco in Venice. His work was very important for the style of buildings during the Renaissance in Venice. A famous architect named Andrea Palladio even said that Sansovino's Biblioteca Marciana was the best building made since ancient times!

Early Life and Training
Life in Venice and Main Works
Gallery
See also

Early Life and Training

Jacopo Sansovino was born in Florence, Italy. His real name was Jacopo Tatti. He learned his skills from another artist named Andrea Sansovino. Jacopo later took Andrea's name as his own.

He spent time in Rome, where he met famous artists like Donato Bramante and Raphael. He even made a wax model of the Deposition of Christ for Pietro Perugino to use.

In 1511, Jacopo returned to Florence. There, he created marble sculptures. These included a statue of St. James for the Duomo and a Bacchus, which is now in the Bargello museum.

From 1510 to 1517, he shared a studio with the painter Andrea del Sarto. Like other artists of his time, Sansovino also designed special temporary structures for important events and celebrations. He later went back to Rome for nine years. He left Rome for Venice in 1527, during a difficult time for the city.

Life in Venice and Main Works

In 1529, Jacopo Sansovino became the chief architect for the city of Venice. This important job made him one of the most influential artists in Venice. He was in charge of many building projects.

His main achievements are a group of important buildings in central Venice, near Piazza San Marco. These include the Zecca (the public mint where coins were made). He also designed the beautiful Loggetta and its sculptures next to the Campanile (bell tower). He also created many statues and reliefs for the Basilica of San Marco.

Sansovino also helped rebuild many other buildings, churches, and palaces. Some of these include the churches of San Zulian, San Francesco della Vigna, and San Martino. He also worked on palaces like the Palazzo Dolfin Manin and Palazzo Corner.

His most famous work is the Library of Saint Mark's, called the Biblioteca Marciana. This is one of Venice's most richly decorated buildings from the Renaissance. It stands across from the Doge's Palace. Sansovino made the classical style of architecture, which can sometimes look very serious, appealing to the Venetians. They loved detailed and beautiful decorations. His work helped pave the way for the elegant architecture of Andrea Palladio.

Jacopo Sansovino died in Venice in 1570. His tomb is in the Baptistery of St. Mark's Basilica. His most important student in sculpture was Alessandro Vittoria. Another student was the architect and sculptor Danese Cataneo.