Jacopo Sansovino

Jacopo Sansovino (Jacopo Tatti, 1486–1570) was a sculptor and architect who took his name from his Tuscan master, sculptor Andrea Sansovino. After fleeing the Sack of Rome in 1527, he came to Venice, where he became chief architect to the Procurators of St Mark’s and a good friend of Titian and Aretino, who promoted his career.

Sansovino used his Tuscan and Roman background to create a new decorative High Renaissance style especially suited to Venice – the rhythmic use of columns, arches, loggias and reliefs, with sculpture playing an integral role in the building. His sculpture (there are a number of pieces in St Mark’s) had a strong influence on Alessandro Vittoria. When he died, he was buried in St Mark's Baptistry—a rare honour.