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Born: 1 November 1500, Florence Died: 14 February 1571, Florence BENVENUTO CELLINI was one of the most larger-than-life figures of the Italian Renaissance. A celebrated sculptor, goldsmith, author and soldier, but also a hooligan and even a killer. The s ....

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.... of the museum at Vienna. Another of his patrons in the period was Cardinal Patriarch Marco Cornaro, of the powerful Cornaro della Regina family of Venice. By his own account Cellini played a role in the ultimately unsuccessful defense of Rome in 1527, slaying the Constable of Bourbon in one attack and later killing Philibert, Prince of Orange, as well. After a brief stay in Florence, where he concentrated on producing medals (including "Hercules and the Numean Lion" in gold repousse and "Atlas Supporting the Sphere" in chased gold), Cellini returned again to Rome. Among his works for Pope Clement VII during this period were a peace commemorat ....