Leoni, Ottavio

Leoni, Ottavio (called il cav. Padovano and Padovanino), an eminent painter and engraver, was born in Rome in 1578. Among his historical works is The Virgin and Infant, in Santa Maria della Minerva; The Annunciation, in San Eustachio; and St. Carlo. St. Francesco, and St. Niccolo, in San Urbano. He was chosen director of the Academy of St. Luke, and was appointed knight of the order of Christ, on which occasion he painted the Martyrdom of St. Martina. for the Church of the Academy. As an engraver, he did not succeed very well. He, however, executed a number of works. He died in 1630. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.; Spooner, Biog. Hist. of the Fine Arts, s.v.