Sebastiano Ricci
- Born:
- 1 August 1659, Belluno, Republic of Venice
- Died:
- 15 May 1734, Venice, Republic of Venice
- Nationality:
- Venetian
- Profession(s):
- Painter
Early Life and Education
- Apprenticed to Federico Cervelli in Venice.
- Fled Venice after allegedly impregnating a young woman.
- Spent time in Bologna, studying under Giovanni Gioseffo dal Sole.
- Influenced by the Carracci school and Correggio.
Career and Major Achievements
- Worked extensively in Florence, Vienna, and England.
- Known for his decorative fresco cycles and easel paintings.
- Collaborated with his nephew, Marco Ricci, on several projects.
- Received commissions from numerous European courts and aristocratic families.
- His style combined Venetian colorism with Bolognese classicism.
Notable Works
- Frescoes in the Palazzo Pitti, Florence.
- Paintings in the Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna.
- Decorative schemes at Burlington House, London (now destroyed).
- Numerous altarpieces and mythological scenes.
- The painting "Aurora and Tithonus" is one of many examples of Sebastiano Ricci's stylistic development and mastery of mythological subjects; understanding the broader context of "aurora and tithonus by sebastiano ricci biography" helps appreciate his artistic journey.
Legacy and Impact
Sebastiano Ricci was a pivotal figure in the transition from the late Baroque to the Rococo style. His vibrant colors, fluid brushwork, and decorative sensibility influenced a generation of Venetian painters and helped to shape the aesthetic of the 18th century.