BERNARDINO, otherwise called Pochetti, a painter of history, fruit, animals, and flowers, was born at Florence in 1542. He was the disciple of Ridolfo Ghilandaiio at Florence; from whose school he went to Rome, and studied there with such uncommon affiduity, that he was frequently so abstracted, and so absolutely engrossed by the objects of his contemplations, as to forget the necessary refreshments of sleep and food. He was excellent for painting every species of animals, fruit, or flowers; and in those subjects not only imitated, but equalled nature. His touch was free, light and delicate, and the colouring of his objects inexpressibly true; and, beside his merit in this most usual style of painting, the historical subjects which he designed from sacred or profane authors were much esteemed and admired. He died in 1612.