Donato Bramante, previously known as Donato d'Augnolo,was born in Monte Asdruvaldo in Urbino which is now located in Italy. A lot of his early life is unknown to historians, but predictions can be made as to the life he lived growing up. His father encouraged him to paint and most of his inspiration was from fellow artists in Urbino. He started as painter and trained as an assistant for Piero della Francesca who later became a major player in the humanist movement. In 1477, Donato Bramante worked in Bergamo where he began to paint more architectural pieces. There he was taught more architectural skills by Scirro Scirri. He then moved out of Urbino and into the Italian Province of Lombardy. Here he painted frescos in the Palazzo del Podestà.
In the years 1476 to 1499, Donato Bramante lived in Milan where he continued to deepen his interest and knowledge of ancient buildings. He proceeded to paint frescos and other works in Rome, but now he was consulting with Pope Alexander VI to be able to construct and rebuild ancient buildings. By the time of the Pope’s death, Donato Bramante was asked to construct the last buildings from the palace and the Belvedere together into one main structure because the original architect was not able to finish the job before his death.
After this, Donato Bramante was asked to do many other constructions including the rebuilding of St. Peter’s Basilica by the current Pope at this time, Pope Julius II. He later died on March 11, 1514 before completing this renovation of the Basilica. Unfortunately, Michelangelo took over his portion of the architecture and his ideas were modified to fit Michelangelo’s style.