ZHONG CHENG

Born in Florence, Italy. Cellini was an Italian goldsmith, sculptor, draftsman, soldier and musician, who also wrote a famous autobiography. He was one of the most important artists of Mannerism. At the age of 16, Benvenuto was exiled from Florence following a brawl. He then wandered between Bologna, Pisa and Rome and studied in goldsmiths' workshops. His talent as an artisan came to the attention of Pope Clemente VII, who in 1529 appointed him head of the papal workshop. In 1535 in Venice he met Jacopo Sansovino, who taught him the technique of casting. 1540 found him in Fontainebleau, at the court of François I, along with Rosso Fiorentino and Francesco Primaticcio. Three years later he forged the Saliera "table monument" for King François. In 1554 in Florence he created his masterpiece "Perseo", located in the shade of the loggia of the Orcagna dei Lanzi. In 1571, he died in Florence. He is buried in the Church of Santa Maria Novella.