Clovio, Giulio (1498-1578)

Croatian-born painter. He worked in Italy, establishing a reputation as one of the leading miniaturists of his day. His works include illustrations of the victories of Emperor Charles V (British Library, London) and a Pietà (1553, Uffizi, Florence).

Clovio was born in Grizane, but lived in Italy after 1516 and probably studied under Giulio Romano in Rome. After the Sack of Rome in 1527, during which he was captured, Clovio escaped and took holy orders. His abilities as a miniaturist are seen in his illustrations of the victories of Charles V and in a manuscript life of Federico, Duke of Urbino (Vatican Library, Rome). Other commissions included decorations in the Palazzo Farnese in Rome.

Clovio also helped and encouraged the young El Greco on his arrival in Rome.