(Francisco), an excellent Italian painter, descended from a noble family in Bologna. His friends perceiving his fondness for drawing, allowed him to go to Mantua, where he was six years the disciple of Julio Romano; in which time he acquired such skill, that he formed battles in fresco and basso relievo better than any other of his master's pupils in that city. When Francis I, king of France, sending to Rome for a person that understood painting and stucco, Primaticcio was chosen for this service; and the king had such confidence in him, that in 1540 he sent him to Rome to buy antiques; on which he brought back 180 statues, with a great number of busts. Upon the death of Rosso, he succeeded him in the post of superintendent of the public buildings; and in a short time finished the gallery begun by his predecessor. He brought so many statues of marble and bronzes to Fontainebleau, that it seemed another Rome, as well from the number of the antiques as from his own works in painting and stucco; and he was so esteemed in France, that nothing of any consequence was done without him, that had any relation to painting or building. He likewise directed the preparations for all festivals, tournaments, and masquerades; and lived in such splendor, that he was respected as a courtier, as well as a painter. Rosso and he first taught the French a good gusto. Primaticcio died in an advanced age, after being favoured and caressed in four reigns.