Prospero Fontana

[1] He was a prominent figure in the city of Bologna, serving as official arbitrator in the business disputes of local artists.

Prospero Fontana was likely taught by Innocenzo di Pietro Francucci da Imola, but there is a degree of uncertainty surrounding the relationship between the two men.

[5] Fontana worked with Giorgio Vasari on a few commissions, which are briefly described in the Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors and Architects.

Vasari notes that Fontana was unable to complete his work on the Chateau of Fontainebleau (1560) in France due to a health issue.

There are multiple explanations offered by Härb and Charles Davis, including Fontana's admiration of Vasari's style and prominence in Renaissance Italy.

[8] In 1576, Fontana was one of several artists and intellectuals consulted by Cardinal Gabriele Paleotti in the debate over the reformation of religious art.

The altarpiece of the Adoration of the Magi, in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, is considered to be his masterpiece.

[4] He also looked to the work of Antonio da Correggio, Sebastiano del Piombo, and Giulio Romano.