Giovanni Paolo Pannini

Place: Piacenza

Born: 1691

Death: 1765

Biography:

Giovanni Paolo Panini or Pannini was a renowned painter and architect from Italy, born on June 17, 1691, and passed away on October 21, 1765. He is primarily known as one of the vedutisti, or "view painters," who specialized in capturing the essence of Rome's antiquities and landscapes.

Early Life and Training

Pannini trained in his native town of Piacenza under Giuseppe Natali and Andrea Galluzzi, and later with stage designer Francesco Galli-Bibiena. In 1711, he moved to Rome, where he studied drawing with Benedetto Luti. This training laid the foundation for his future success as a painter and architect.

Career and Notable Works

Pannini's most famous works include his views of the interior of the Pantheon and his vedute paintings, which depicted picture galleries containing views of Rome. His style is characterized by a fanciful and unreal embellishment, reminiscent of Marco Ricci's capriccio themes. Some of his notable works can be found on Wikioo.org, including Roman Capriccio: The Pantheon and Other Monuments and A Capriccio of the Roman Forum.

Influence and Legacy

Pannini's influence can be seen in the works of other artists, such as Antonio Joli, Canaletto, and Bernardo Bellotto. His style also inspired British landscape painters, including Marlow, Skelton, and Wright of Derby. As a professor of perspective and optics at the French Academy of Rome, Pannini's masterful use of perspective was later the inspiration for the creation of the "Panini Projection," which is instrumental in rendering panoramic views.

• Panini's paintings can be found in various museums, including the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the National Gallery in London.
• His works are also available for viewing on Wikioo.org, which offers a range of his paintings, including View of the Colosseum and Ancient Rome.
• Pannini's legacy can be seen in the many artists who have followed in his footsteps, including those who have studied his use of perspective and optics.

Pannini's contributions to the world of art are immeasurable, and his paintings continue to inspire and awe audiences today. His work can be found on Wikioo.org, which offers a range of his paintings and provides a glimpse into the life and career of this remarkable artist.