FRANS FLORIS AND DISEGNO. A RETURN TO THE QUESTION

The article offers an evaluation of the fundaments of Floris's theory of disegno by considering drawings that do not fit comfortably into any of the categories (studies after Ancient or contemporary Italian art, modelli, designs for prints, and designs for the decorative arts), defined by the artist's biographer, Carl Van de Velde. Following his return from Italy, Floris broadened the scope of Lambert Lombard's practice of disegno. The works analyzed here suggest that although Floris remained indebted to Lombard's vision of the creative process of drawing, he also retooled its uses to ensure a degree of uniformity in workshop production and a successful and prolific dissemination of personal style.