Giovanni Francesco Romanelli facts for kids

Giovanni Francesco Romanelli (born in Viterbo, Italy, in 1610 – died in Viterbo, 1662) was an important Italian painter during the Baroque period. He was known for using bright, lively colors and for painting with great detail. Many of his artworks can be seen at the famous Louvre Museum in Paris.

Biography

Early Life and Training

Giovanni Francesco Romanelli was born in Viterbo, Italy. His parents were Laura de Angelis and Bartolomeo Romanelli. When he was about 14 years old, he moved to Rome to become an artist. Within a few years, he joined the household of Cardinal Francesco Barberini.

Romanelli studied painting in the studio of Pietro da Cortona. Cortona was a leading painter at that time. However, Romanelli and Cortona later had a disagreement, and Romanelli left his studio.

Career and Recognition

In 1639, Romanelli was chosen to be the director of the important Academy of Saint Luke. This was a big honor for an artist.

After Pope Urban VIII died, the new pope, Innocent X, came to power. The Barberini family, who had supported Romanelli, lost their influence. This meant Romanelli received less work and support in Rome.

Work in France

Later, Romanelli was invited to Paris by Cardinal Mazarin. For the Cardinal, he painted a series of large pictures called frescoes. These frescoes told stories from Ovid's Metamorphoses, which are ancient myths.

He also painted for Anne of Austria, who was the mother of King Louis XIV. Romanelli decorated the Salle des Saisons (Hall of the Seasons) and the Queen's Cabinet at the Louvre Museum. While in France, King Louis XIV made him a knight of the Order of St. Michael.

Students and Legacy

Giovanni Francesco Romanelli taught several students. His own son, Urbano Romanelli, became a painter. Another one of his students was Giovanni Monevi.

Notable Artworks

Romanelli created many beautiful paintings. Some of his famous works include:

• Deposition from the Cross in Sant'Ambrogio della Massima in Rome.
• Presentation in the Temple, which was made into a mosaic for St. Peter's Basilica. It is now in the Santa Maria degli Angeli.
• Venus Pouring a Balm on the Wound of Aeneas, which is displayed at the Louvre Museum.
• The Israelites gathering up Manna, also at the Louvre Museum.
• The Finding of Moses, which is at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
• A painting called "Sibilla" in the Museo di Capodimonte in Naples.

Images for kids

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  The Finding of Moses, at the Indianapolis Museum of Art

See also

In Spanish: Giovanni Francesco Romanelli para niños