Da Pier Francesco Mola

Place: Ticino

Born: 1612

Death: 1666

Biography:

Da Pier Francesco Mola, also known as Il Ticinese, was a Swiss-Italian painter of the High Baroque, mainly active around Rome. Born on February 9, 1612, in Coldrerio (now in Ticino, Switzerland), Mola moved to Rome with his father at the age of four and spent most of his life there.

Early Training and Career

Mola's early training was under the late mannerist painter Cavalier d'Arpino, and he worked under the classicizing Francesco Albani. His masterpiece as a fresco painter is widely considered to be the fresco in the gallery of Alexander VII in the Quirinal Palace Gallery, entitled Joseph making himself known to his Brethren (1657). However, Mola is considered to have been better as a painter of small pictures, especially landscapes.

Artistic Style and Notable Works

Mola's style differs from the prevailing, highly-theoretical classicism of leading 17th-century Roman painters like Andrea Sacchi. He is known for his looser style, more naturalistic palette, and interest in exploring landscape elements. Some of his notable works include six versions of The Flight into Egypt, with the earliest and best being The Rest on the Flight into Egypt.

Later Life and Legacy

Mola was elected Principe of the Accademia di San Luca, the Roman artists' professional association, in 1662. However, his last years were neither profitable nor prolific. Among his pupils were Jean-Baptiste Forest, Antonio Gherardi, and Giuseppe Bonati. Mola's legacy can be seen in the works of other artists, such as Mattia Preti and Caravaggio (Michelangelo Merisi), who are featured on Wikioo.org. Key points about Mola's life and work can be summarized as follows:

• Mola was a Baroque painter from Switzerland, active in Rome.
• He was trained by Cavalier d'Arpino and worked under Francesco Albani.
• Mola's style is characterized by a looser style and more naturalistic palette.
• He is known for his small pictures, especially landscapes.
• Mola's legacy can be seen in the works of other artists, such as Mattia Preti and Caravaggio (Michelangelo Merisi).

Mola passed away on May 13, 1666, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful and expressive paintings. His work can be found in various museums and collections, including those featured on Wikioo.org, which provides a comprehensive overview of his life and work.