Francesco Solimena

Francesco Solimena (1657-1747) was an Italian painter and architect, a leading figure in the development of Baroque and Rococo styles, recognized internationally as one of the most famous artists of his time. Active in the Naples area, with commissions from major European courts, he is considered one of the artists who best embodied late Baroque culture in Italy. Solimena's training began in his father Angelo's workshop. Later, moving to Naples and developing his style independently, he became interested in the imaginative and scenographic painting of Luca Giordano and the tenebrist style of Mattia Preti.

Initiated into painting during a visit by Cardinal Pietro Francesco Orsini (future Pope Benedict XIII), who advised Solimena's father to nurture the young talent, Solimena's early works included "The Paradise" in Nocera's cathedral and "The Vision of Saint Cyril of Alexandria" in San Domenico, Solofra, created with his father.

Post-1680, Solimena's works increasingly departed from naturalist painting, embracing Baroque tastes, evident in frescoes in San Giorgio, Salerno, and canvases in San Paolo Maggiore, Naples. His new painting style, aligning with the Accademia dell'Arcadia, achieved recognition in "The Expulsion of Heliodorus from the Temple" at Gesù Nuovo and the frescoes in the chapel of San Filippo Neri at the Gerolaminis.

In 1728, he was commissioned to paint Gundacker von Althan presenting the catalog of the imperial art collection to Emperor Charles VI of Austria, a work that generated great enthusiasm. A return to his earlier style was noted from 1735, as seen in paintings for the Reggia di Caserta commissioned by Charles of Bourbon.

Solimena worked for major European courts without leaving Naples, dying in his Barra villa in 1747. His school was the most prolific of the 18th century in Naples, training dozens of painters and architects who enjoyed successful careers.