Sansovino, Jacopo (1486–1570)

Florentine architect and sculptor. He was a pupil of Andrea Sansovino (died 1529), whose name he assumed when he accompanied him to Rome in 1505. He studied and began his career in Rome but fled after the sack of the city in 1527 to Venice, where most of his major works are found. His principal works include the Loggetta in St Mark's Square (1537–40); the richly decorated Library and Mint (1535–45) opposite the Doge's Palace; and in Rome, the church of S Marcello and the Palazzo Gaddi. The library was greatly admired by Andrea Palladio.

Sansovino is best known for the Biblioteca Marciana (begun 1536), the first fully classical building in Venice in which the orders were correctly used.