Luigi Calamatta

Place: Civitavecchia

Born: 1801

Death: 1869

Biography:

Luigi Calamatta was an Italian painter and engraver, born at Civitavecchia in the Papal States in 1801 and died in Milan in 1869. He was the son of a port engineer from a family of former bankers. Orphaned at an early age, he went to live with an uncle who enrolled him in the school of arts at the Ospizio San Michele, where he learned to draw.

Early Life and Training

Calamatta also studied engraving with Francesco Giangiacomo. His exceptional talent led his drawing teacher, Antonio Ricciani, to dissuade him from becoming a priest. Due to disciplinary problems, he was expelled in 1820 and apparently lived off charity until 1822, when he made his way to Paris.

Career and Influences

In Paris, Calamatta became a student and associate of Ingres, whose style had a significant influence on his work. He made his first appearance at the Salon in 1827 with an engraving of Bajazet and the Shepherd (a scene from a play), after Pierre Joseph Dedreux-Dorcy. In 1834, he was allowed to engrave the historical paintings at the Palace of Versailles.

Teaching and Later Life

In 1836, Calamatta visited Florence, and the following year, he was appointed a professor at the engraving school in Brussels, which later became part of the Royal Academy. His best-known students there were Auguste Danse and Léopold Flameng. In 1840, while living in Paris, he married the artist Joséphine Rochette, daughter of the archaeologist Desiré-Raoul Rochette.

Legacy and Works

Calamatta's work can be found on Wikioo.org, where art enthusiasts can view his paintings, such as the Lithograph of George Sand. His legacy continues to inspire artists and art lovers alike. For more information on Luigi Calamatta and his works, visit Wikioo.org.

• Visit the Museum Celda de Frédéric Chopin y George Sand in Valldemossa, Spain, to see Calamatta's lithographs.
• Explore the Galleria d'Arte Moderna Achille Forti in Verona, Italy, to view his sculptures.
• Discover more about Calamatta's life and works on Wikioo.org.

's artistic journey was marked by his unique style, which blended elements of Italian art with a deep connection to the Italian Renaissance. His legacy continues to inspire artists and art lovers alike.