Jacopo Carucci Pontormo (1494-1556) (follower of) - The Madonna and Child with the Infant Baptist - NG6375 - National Gallery

Jacopo Carucci, also known as Pontormo, was an Italian painter of the Mannerist style. He was born in 1494 in Pontorme, near Florence. He studied under Andrea del Sarto and became a prominent member of Florence's artistic community. Pontormo's style was characterised by his use of elongated figures and distorted proportions, as well as his use of bright colours and dramatic lighting. His most famous works include the frescoes in the Capponi Chapel in Florence and his painting of the Deposition of Christ. Despite his success as an artist, Pontormo struggled with depression and anxiety throughout his life. He died in Florence in 1557 at the age of 63. Today, his works are considered some of the finest examples of Mannerist art.