A shepherd holding a lion on a leash in the foreground, in the middle ground the shepherd stands in a meadow surrounded by wild beasts, in the background the shepherd is seated on a rock with the lion at his side; from 'Recueil d'estampes d'après les plus beaux tableaux et d'après les plus beaux desseins qui sont en France, Cabinet Crozat' after a drawing by Baldassare Peruzzi

Baldassare Peruzzi was an Italian architect and painter who was born in Siena in 1481. He is known for his contributions to High Renaissance architecture and for his work in Rome and Florence. Peruzzi began his career as a painter, but soon turned to architecture. He worked on several important projects in Rome, including the Palazzo Massimo alle Colonne and the Villa Farnesina. In Florence, he designed the Palazzo della Gherardesca and the Palazzo Strozzi. Peruzzi was also a skilled draughtsman and produced many detailed drawings of architectural elements. His work influenced other architects of the time, including Andrea Palladio. Peruzzi died in Rome in 1536, leaving a legacy of beautiful buildings and innovative designs.