Pavia, Giacomo

Pavia, Giacomo a painter, was born at Bologna Feb. 18, 1655, according to authentic documents. There is much discrepancy as to the time of his birth, and about his instruction. He is said to have studied under Antonio Crespi, who was twenty-six years his junior. Lanzi says he was the pupil of Cav. Giuseppe Maria Crespi, ten years his junior; and the canon Luigi Crespi, son of Giuseppe, states, in the third volume of the Felsian Pittoriae, that he was instructed by Gio. Gioseffo dal Sole, four years his junior. He acquired considerable reputation at Bologna, and executed several works for the churches, which were admired for the fine taste displayed in their composition. The most esteemed of these is a picture of St. Anne teaching the Virgins to read, in S. Silvestro; and the Nativity, in S. Giuseppe. He went to Spain, where he distinguished himself, and executed many works for the churches. He died in 1740.