1433?-1515

Italian architect and engineer who pioneered the high Renaissance style. The young priest began his career teaching Latin and Greek in Verona, but soon put his background in archaeology and draftsmanship to work in Rome, where he aptly sketched its noble buildings. Giocondo later returned to his home, taking a position as an architectural engineer and overseeing the construction of several bridges. At the request of Emperor Maximilian, Giocondo designed the Palazzo del Consiglio, one of Verona's most stately buildings. From 1496-1499, he was invited to France to assist in the design of several chateaus and to supervise the construction of the Notre-Dame bridge over the Seine in Paris. His work helped introduce the Italian Renaissance to French architectural styles. After returning to Italy, Giocondo assisted with the construction of St. Peter's in the Vatican.