Francesco Vanni facts for kids
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Francesco Vanni (born 1563 – died 1610) was a talented Italian artist. He was a painter, a draughtsman (someone who draws), a printmaker, and even a publisher. He worked in Rome and his hometown of Siena.
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About Francesco Vanni
Francesco Vanni came from a family of artists. His half-brother was Ventura Salimbeni, and his stepfather was Arcangelo Salimbeni. Sadly, his stepfather passed away when Francesco was still young.
When Francesco was 16 years old, he traveled to Bologna and then to Rome. He learned his craft by working as an apprentice for Giovanni de' Vecchi from 1579 to 1580. Like many artists from Tuscany at that time, he was also inspired by Federico Barocci from Urbino. Vanni was one of the last painters to show the style of the Sienese School of painting.
Working in Rome
In Rome, Francesco Vanni later worked with his half-brother Salimbeni, as well as with Bartolomeo Passerotti and Andrea Lilio. He had important supporters, called patrons, who helped him with his art. One of his patrons was Cardinal Cesare Baronio. This cardinal introduced Vanni to Pope Clement VIII. Later, Cardinal Chigi, who became Pope Alexander VII, also supported him.
Pope Clement VIII honored Vanni by making him a member of the Knights of Christ. This pope also asked Vanni to paint a large artwork for the St. Peter's Basilica. This painting showed Simon Magus rebuked by St. Peter. It was later turned into a mosaic.
Vanni painted several other important artworks for churches in Rome. These included:
- A painting of St Michael defeats rebel angels for the sacristy of San Gregorio.
- A Pietà (a scene showing Mary holding the dead body of Jesus) for Santa Maria in Vallicella.
- An Assumption (showing Mary being taken into heaven) for San Lorenzo in Miranda.
Return to Siena and Other Works
After working in Rome, Francesco Vanni returned to Siena, where he eventually passed away. He also worked in other cities like Parma and Bologna.
In Siena, he created many artworks for churches. Some of his notable paintings there include:
- S. Raimondo walking on the Sea for the church of the Dominicans.
- A Baptism of Constantine (painted 1586–87) for the church of San Agostino.
- Christ appearing to St. Catherine for a chapel at the Sanctuary of Santa Caterina di Siena.
- A Baptism (1587) for the former church of San Giovannino e Gennaro, Siena.
- An Immaculate Conception (1588) for the Montalcino Cathedral.
- An Annunciation (1589) for the church of Santa Maria dei Servi.
- A "Crucifixion with Father Matteo Guerra" for San Giorgio.
Vanni as a Printmaker
Besides painting, Francesco Vanni was also very active as a printmaker. He created three religious prints based on his own designs. He also published a large map of Siena, which he designed himself. A Flemish engraver named Pieter de Jode the Elder helped him engrave the map. In 1595, Vanni asked Lorenzo Usimbardi for help to get money to publish this map.
Vanni's Legacy
Francesco Vanni's artistic talent continued in his family. His sons, Michelangelo and Raffaello Vanni, also became painters. Some of his students included Astolfo Petrazzi and Rutilio Manetti. Another painter from Perugia, Benedetto Bandieri, said he was a descendant of Vanni.
Gallery
- Selected works
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The Flagellation of Christ, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna
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Madonna and Child with St. Lucy
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Madonna and Child with Saints Cecilia and Inez, Prado
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Baptism of Constantine
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Penitent Mary Magdalen
See also
In Spanish: Francesco Vanni para niños
