Book excerpt: Giulio Romano was one of the most important, versatile, and influential artists of the late Italian Renaissance. As the primary protege of Raphael, he inherited his master's studio at the papal court following Raphael's death in 1520. Giulio initially continued to work in Raphael's Roman High Renaissance style, but as his personal style matured, he became one of the great court painters and architects of the 16th century. Shakespeare called him "that rare Italian master."Giulio Roman was a prolific draftsman, and left preparatory drawings for a wide range of projects, including decorative arts, architecture, religious works, frescoes, stuccoes, and the famous series of erotic prints, I Modi. This thorough examination of Giulio's career and drawings celebrates the 500th anniversary of his birth.Janet Cox-Rearick is distinguished professor of art history at Hunter College and the Graduate School, City University of New York.