Bernardino Zanobi de Gianotis

Bernardino de Gianotis (called Romanus; died 1541, Vilnius) was an Italian sculptor and architect active in the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. He is best known for his sculptural works; primarily tombstones for Polish and Lithuanian rulers and magnates. His most well-known architectural works are the reconstructions of the cathedrals in Płock (1531–34) and Vilnius (1534–41) after fires. Since 1539 he also led the reconstruction and enlargement of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in Vilnius, however he died before it was finished. It's possible that previously since 1519 worked together with Giovanni Cini of Siena on the construction of the canopy of the tomb of King Władysław Jagiełło. Cini and de Gianotis are credited with the construction of the so-called Zator altar in the Chapel of Queen Sophia in the Wawel Cathedral. On commission from Duchess Anna of Mazovia he made the tombstone of the Mazovian Dukes brothers Stanisław and Janusz at St. John's Collegiate Church in Warsaw in the years 1526–28.thumb Tombstone of the Mazovian princes Stanisław and Janusz at St. John's Collegiate Church in Warsaw He left Berrecci's workshop in mid-1529, upon completion of the work on Sigismund Chapel, and remained in Poland, possibly taking up work on the tomb chapel of Bishop Piotr Tomicki at Wawel Castle. Later, he worked together with Giovanni Cini and Filippo da Fiesole, with whom he established a workshop in Kraków.

In 1534, the three partners erected a brickyard in Przegorzały near Kraków in 1534. On 22 July 1534, de Gianotis concluded an agreement with Bishop John of the Lithuanian Dukes in which he pledged to rebuild Vilnius Cathedral in years 1536–1540. The old cathedral was burned down in July 1530. At the beginning of 1535, the company undertook the reconstruction of the tenement house of canon Andrzej Zebrzydowski, later bishop of Kraków. Work continues until the middle of the year. On 30 July 1535, de Gianotis signed a contract with Rev. Maciej of Jeżów for the erection of two tombstones for chamberlain Stanisław Lasocki and "eius parentis" and a baptistery in the parish church in Brzeziny. In 1540, Filippo da Fiesole died. The following year, Bernardino de Gianotis died, which led to the dissolution of the architecture and sculpture company. The reconstruction of the palace in Vilnius was finished under the leadership of Gianotis' colleague Giovani Cini. Gianotis left behind two minor children, Jan and Anna.