Jacopo Amigoni facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jacopo Amigoni
Self-portrait, 1730-1735
Born	Giacomo Amiconi 1682
Died	1752
Nationality	Italian
Known for	Painting

Jacopo Amigoni (born around 1685, died September 1752), also known as Giacomo Amiconi, was a famous Italian painter. He lived during the late Baroque and Rococo art periods. Amigoni started his painting career in Venice, Italy. However, he traveled all over Europe. His beautiful portraits were very popular, and many people wanted him to paint for them.

A Life of Art and Travel

Jacopo Amigoni was born in Naples, Italy. When he first started painting, he created scenes from old myths and religious stories. As he became more famous, people from northern Europe wanted his art. He then began painting many works for homes. These often showed gods and goddesses in peaceful or playful settings.

Amigoni's painting style influenced other artists, like Giuseppe Nogari. Some of his students became well-known painters too. These included Charles Joseph Flipart, Michelangelo Morlaiter, Pietro Antonio Novelli, Joseph Wagner, and Antonio Zucchi.

Working Across Europe

Amigoni was a very busy artist who traveled a lot. From 1717, he worked in Bavaria, Germany. He painted in grand places like the Nymphenburg Palace in 1719. He also worked at the Schleissheim Palace from 1725 to 1729. Another important place he painted was the Ottobeuren Abbey, a large church.

In 1726, he went back to Venice. One of his famous paintings, Arraignment of Paris, can be seen at the Villa Pisani in Stra, Italy.

From 1730 to 1739, Amigoni lived and worked in England. He painted in several important homes, such as Pown House, Moor Park, and Wolterton Hall. He also worked at the Covent Garden theatre. While in England, he encouraged another famous painter, Canaletto, to visit. Amigoni told Canaletto that there were many people in England who would want to buy his art.

Meeting Famous People

During his time in London, or perhaps during a trip to Paris in 1736, Amigoni met the famous singer Farinelli. He painted Farinelli's portrait twice, once in 1735 and again in 1752. Amigoni also saw the paintings of French artists François Lemoyne and François Boucher. These artists were known for their beautiful and graceful Rococo style.

In 1739, Amigoni returned to Italy. He may have visited Naples and definitely went to Montecassino. He painted two large pictures for the Abbey there, but sadly, they were destroyed during World War II. He also painted for the Casa Savoia (a royal family) and other buildings in Venice.

Life in Spain

In 1747, Amigoni left Italy again, this time for Madrid, Spain. His friend Farinelli, who worked at the Spanish court, encouraged him to come. Amigoni became the court painter for Ferdinand VI of Spain. This meant he was the official artist for the king. He also became the director of the Royal Academy of Saint Fernando, a very important art school.

One of his paintings in Spain shows a group of important people. It includes himself, Farinelli, and other famous figures like Metastasio and Teresa Castellini. There was also a young man in the painting who might have been Prince Joseph, who would later become the ruler of Austria. Jacopo Amigoni died in Madrid in 1752.

Amigoni's family also included artists. His daughter, Caterina Amigoni Castellini, was a pastellist (an artist who uses pastels). His sister, Carlotta Amigoni, was also an artist.

See also

In Spanish: Jacopo Amigoni para niños