A leader of the Ferrara School of painting from the Renaissance, Dosso Dossi (1490-1542) is well known for his enigmatic allegorical style.
Born Giovanni di Niccoló de Luteri in Tramuschio di Mirandola. Dossi’s father worked as a land agent, or bursar for the Este family, under their court in Ferrara; they would later become Dossi’s patrons.
It is said that he trained early on with Lorenzo Costa (1460-1535), also of the School of Ferrara painters. Though part of Costa’s influence was also important to the Bolognese school of painting.