DOSSI, DOSSO

(Giovanni de Luteri; c. 1490-1542)

Artist from Ferrara who became court painter to Alfonso I d'Este, along with his brother Battista Dossi. His works often portray complex subjects that rely on fantasy and his style is closely linked to that of theVenetianmasters in their colorism and light effects. After 1520, Dosso's paintings became more sculptural, often borrowing poses from Michelangelo's works inRomeand ancient statuary, which suggests a visit to the papal city. His best-known work isMelissa(1520s; Rome, GalleriaBorghese), based on a scene fromOrlando Furiosoby Ludovico Ariosto, the Ferrarese poet who, like Dosso, served the d'Este duke. Other paintings by Dosso include hisHoly Family with the YoungSt.John the Baptist,a Cat,and Donors(c. 1512-1513; Philadelphia Museum of Art), theThree Ages of Man(c. 1515; New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art), and theAllegory of Fortune(c. 1530; Los Angeles, J. Paul Getty Museum).