The History of Painting in Italy, Vol. 5 (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. 5 (of 6): From the Period of the Revival of the Fine Arts to the End of the Eighteenth Century
Lanzi, Luigi
Painting -- Italy -- History
Above every other branch of inferior painting, however, the ornamental and
perspective then flourished at Bologna. This art, as we have stated, after
the solid foundations on which it had been placed by Dentone and Mitelli,
aimed too much at a pleasing and beautiful, without consulting a natural
effect. But the school did not all at once deteriorate, being some time
maintained by imitators of some of the most correct models. In this number
Zanotti extols Jacopo Mannini, a most accurate artist, who decorated a
chapel at Colorno for the Duke of Parma, in which the Cav. Draghi was
employed as figurist, whose genius was at once as eager and rapid as
Mannini's was slow. Much like two steeds of opposite temper yoked to the
same vehicle, their sole occupation seemed that of biting and kicking each
other; and it became necessary to separate them, the slow one being sent
back to his native Bologna, where owing to this blemish he never met with
any encouragement. Arrigo Haffner, a lieutenant, with Antonio his brother,
who died a Philippine friar in Genoa, were also followers of Mitelli in
delicacy and harmony of colour. They had been much employed at Rome under
Canuti, their master in figures, and the former was chosen by Franceschini
to paint the perspectives in the church of Corpus Domini. They produced
also a good deal at Genoa and its state, sometimes with one, sometimes with
another of the more eminent figurists. Antonio acquired most reputation,
superior perhaps in all but invention to his brother, particularly in the
sweet union of his tints, as well as in the estimation of distinguished
personages. He was called by the Grand Duke Gio. Gastone to Florence, to
consult him respecting the altar of _pietre dure_, intended for the chapel
of the Depositi at S. Lorenzo.
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