The History of Painting in Italy, Vol. 3 (of 6): From the Period of the Revival of the Fine Arts to the End of the Eighteenth CenturyLanzi, Luigi
History
The History of Painting in Italy, Vol. 3 (of 6): From the Period of the Revival of the Fine Arts to the End of the Eighteenth Century
Lanzi, Luigi
Painting -- Italy -- History
We may mention, likewise, as distinguished by their manner, Antonio
Bellucci, and Giovanni Segala, two painters who, like their masters,
became addicted to the use of strong shades. Yet they possessed
sufficient intelligence to derive some advantage even from a wrong
direction of their powers. For the former disposed them in grand masses,
yet delicate, and moreover united to pleasing colouring; while the
latter made use of dark grounds, which he contrasted with very spirited
lights, and with a skill that enlivens while it enchants us. Indeed, the
style of both seemed adapted for great works, and both possessed genius
enough to conduct them well. Segala, however, is preferred by Zanetti to
his contemporary, and his picture of the Conception, executed for the
college of La Carità, is particularly extolled by him, and, in truth, he
there competes with, if he does not surpass, some of the first painters
of the age. We ought to estimate the merit of Bellucci from those
specimens he conducted with most care, and upon the best grounds, such
as his scripture piece in the church of the Spirito Santo. He appears to
most advantage, perhaps, in small figures, many of which he inserted in
the landscapes of the celebrated Tempesta. When at Vienna, he became
court painter to Joseph I. and to Charles VI.; and subsequently to other
German princes, which he chiefly owed to this kind of talent.[88]
To this epoch, also, belongs the name of Gio. Antonio Fumiani, who
acquired from the Bolognese School, in which he was educated, an
excellent taste, both in composition and design. And from the works of
Paul, which he studied with assiduity, he obtained a knowledge of
architectural and other ornaments. Some have considered him deficient in
warmth of tints, and in a just counterpoise of lights and shades, to
which I should add, also in expression; appearing, as he does to me,
cold in all his attitudes, even beyond the custom of this school.
Perhaps his Dispute of Jesus with the Doctors, at the church of La
Carità, is his finest work. Bencovich, having resided at Bologna, will
be enumerated among the followers of Cignani.
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