"Celebrated for his erotically charged allegories with amorous couples entwined in intimate poses, Bartholomeus Spranger (1546-1611) was a leading master of Mannerism, working for influential patrons across Europe, including the Emperor Rudolf II in Prague, where he was known as one of the first truly international artists. This comprehensive book, the first publication devoted to Spranger's influential life and career, features nearly all the paintings, drawings and etchings by this artist from some of the most renowned museums and private collections in the world. Despite the widespread fame and influence he achieved during his lifetime, Spranger has become an elusive and misunderstood figure. This book rectifies that omission, examining Spranger's extraordinary life and work against the backdrop of European culture, politics and intellectual history and tracing his artistic journey from apprenticeship in Antwerp to triumph in Prague, with sojourns in France, Italy and Austria"--Distributor's website.