Santi (or Sanzio), Giovanni

Santi (Or Sanzio), Giovanni, An Italian poet and painter, was born at Colbordolo, duchy of Urbino. He was the father of the immortal Raphael, and his first master. It is supposed that the elder Sanzio studied under Mantegna. His designs, without being extremely delicate, are carefully studied. Many of his works have disappeared, but there may be seen in the Museum of Berlin his Virgin Holding Jesus, and a Madonna with St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Catherine. He also composed a Chronicle in rhyme, in honor of one of the dukes of Urbino. This is still preserved in the Library of the Vatican. He died Aug. 1, 1494.