Saint Michael

1526

Appointed prefect of Mantua's building works

The post of prefect of building works and 'superintendent of the city streets' put him in charge of all the court's architecture and art — from frescoes to the fanciful inventions fashionable at the Mannerist courts of Europe.

1527

Escapes the Sack of Rome

His move to Mantua spared Giulio the Sack of Rome in 1527, which hugely disrupted artistic patronage in Rome and dispersed what remained of Raphael's workshop.

1530s

Remakes Mantua for the Gonzaga

In the 1530s Giulio took part in many projects to transform Mantua in keeping with the Gonzagas' ambitions, and fitted out the ducal palace, where among other things he created a courtyard and frescoes. He also reconstructed the cathedral and designed the church of San Benedetto.

2 April 1530

Festivities for Emperor Charles V at the Palazzo Te

Giulio was commissioned to design the festivities in honour of Emperor Charles V in the courtyards and rooms of the Palazzo Te. According to Vasari, his arches, comedy sets and costumes for jousts and feasts filled the emperor and all present with wonder.