Naselli, Francesco

Naselli, Francesco a distinguished Italian painter who devoted himself largely to sacred subjects, was of noble birth, and flourished at Ferrara about the opening of the 17th century. Lanzi says he practiced drawing from the naked model with assiduity, and studied and copied the works of Caracci andl Guercino. By such practice he formed an excellent style of his own on a large scale, soft with vigorous coloring and rapid execution, inclining in those of his fleshes to a sunburned hue. He made many excellent copies of the works of those masters which are in the churches of his native place and in private cabinets. Among these is his Communion of St. Jerome, from Agostino Caracci. He was exceedingly industrious and persevering, although in easy circumstances and of noble rank. He painted at the Scala in competition with one of the Caracci, Boonne, and Scarsellino; and, according to Lanzi, was deemed not unworthy of those eminent artists. Among his principal works are the Nativity, in the cathedral; the Assumption, in S. Francesco; and several representations of the Last Supper, in private institutions. He died at Ferrara in 1630.