Biography

(b ?Busto Arsizio, c. 1483; d Milan, 11 June 1548). Italian sculptor. The earliest documentary information on the artist, an application by Agostino Busti and his brother Polidoro for employment as sculptors in the workshop of Milan Cathedral, dates from 1512, when he was about 30. The reply, though it refers to him as a master, shows that Agostino was not yet well known in Milan, for he was asked to produce a statue to ... (view more)

Grove Art excerpts - Electronic ©2003, Oxford Art Online

(b ?Busto Arsizio, c. 1483; d Milan, 11 June 1548). Italian sculptor. The earliest documentary information on the artist, an application by Agostino Busti and his brother Polidoro for employment as sculptors in the workshop of Milan Cathedral, dates from 1512, when he was about 30. The reply, though it refers to him as a master, shows that Agostino was not yet well known in Milan, for he was asked to produce a statue to show his skill. The application describes the brothers as ‘of Busto’, which suggests that they came from Busto Arsizio in Varese. According to Vasari, Agostino was known by the nickname Bambaia (under which name he generally appears in the literature). It is likely that Agostino began his training with Benedetto Briosco, as Vasari referred to his work for the Certoso di Pavia, where Briosco worked for years. Vasari also mentioned that he was ‘greatly helped’ by Bernardo Zenale.  (hide)

Grove Art excerpts - Electronic ©2003, Oxford Art Online

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