Giovanni Costa (painter, born 1826) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Giovanni Costa
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Portrait of Professor Giovanni Costa by Lord Frederic Leighton, oil on canvas, 48.5 x 39 cm, 1878, now in the Leighton House Museum, London
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| Born | 15 October 1826 Rome
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| Died | 31 January 1903 (aged 76) Rome
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| Nationality | Italian |
| Movement | Etruscan School |
Giovanni Costa (born October 15, 1826 – died January 31, 1903) was a famous Italian artist. People often called him Nino Costa. He was known for painting beautiful landscapes. He was also a brave person who fought for Italy's freedom.
Contents
Early Life and Training
Giovanni Costa was born in Rome on October 15, 1826. He was one of sixteen children. His father owned a successful wool factory in Rome. The family lived in a big house in the Trastevere area.
When Giovanni was 12, he met a painter named Baron Vincenzo Camuccini. Camuccini told him to paint what he saw in nature. Giovanni then went to a Jesuit school for five years.
In 1843, Giovanni returned to Rome. He studied drawing at Collegio Bandinelli. Later, he learned from famous artists like Francesco Coghetti. He also studied at the Accademia di San Luca.
Fighting for Italy
Giovanni Costa was a strong supporter of Italian unity. He believed Italy should be one country. He fought alongside Giuseppe Garibaldi in 1848. Garibaldi was a famous Italian general and patriot.
Costa also volunteered in the war of 1859. In 1870, he showed his bravery again. He was one of the first to enter Rome during a key attack. This helped unite Italy.
Artistic Journey and Influence
After his military service, Costa settled in Florence. There, he worked to change old art traditions. He wanted artists to observe nature closely. He became known for his original landscape paintings.
He painted many scenes of the countryside. These often showed herders and cattle. His work greatly inspired a group of artists called the Macchiaioli. They were known for their bold use of color.
Costa also had many friends from England and America. These included artists like Elihu Vedder. He was also close to French painters like Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot. Costa met Corot while visiting Paris. In 1853, he became lifelong friends with a young Frederic Leighton.
Costa was not allowed to return to Rome until 1862. An exhibition of his paintings was held in London in 1904. Some of his works are now in the Tate Gallery. Giovanni Costa passed away on January 31, 1903.
Images for kids
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Road in the Plain, 1890
See also
In Spanish: Nino Costa para niños
