A Sculptor of Whimsy: The Life and Art of Valerio Cioli Valerio Cioli, a name perhaps less celebrated than his Renaissance contemporaries yet profoundly influential in the development of Florentine sculpture, flourished during the latter half of the 16th century. Born in Florence in 1529 and passing away in 1599, Cioli’s career unfolded against a backdrop of artistic innovation and the powerful patronage of the Medici court. While details regarding his early training remain somewhat elusive, it is understood he immersed himself in the sculptural traditions of the city, absorbing the lessons…