Master of the Die Biography

True identity unknown, the Master of the Die is so called because he signed his prints with a die. Drawing on ancient mythology, his prints are wonderful narrative works.

The anonymous Italian master, called Master of the Die for the small die with which he signed his prints, was active in Rome from 1532-1550. He worked as an artist in the workshop of Marcantonio Raimondi. Raimondi was a well-known Italian engraver and printmaker who was famous for being an early adopter of the tradition of creating prints copying paintings. He had a close relationship with Raphael. It is of no surprise, then, that the Master of the Die worked in the style of Raphael. A high level of skill and productivity is noticeable in his works.