Vanni, Cavalier Francesco

Vanni, Cavalier Francesco an eminent Italian painter, was born at Sienna probably in 1565. He received some instruction from his father and afterwards from his stepfather, when, at the age off twelve, he went to Bologna and studied under Passarotti. When about sixteen he went to Rome, and became the pupil of Giovanni de Vecchi, where he chose for his model the works of Federigo Boroccio. On leaving Rome, he traveled through Lombardy, and on returning to Sienna executed several works for the churches and convents. He was then invited to return to Rome, where he was commissioned by Clement VIII to paint the picture of St. Peter Rebuking Simon Magus. This work still remains on a marble slab in St. Peter's, Rome, and is an object of admiration. His labors so pleased the pope that he made him a knight of the Order of Christ. His principal works at Rome are, St. Michael Vanquishing the Rebel: Angels, in the Church of San Gregorio a Pieta, in the Church of Santa Maria in Valicella: — and The Assumption, in the Church of San Lorenzo in Miranda. But his best works are to be found at Sienna, among which are the Marriage of St. Catherine: — the Madonna and St. Raymond Walking on the Sea. — Re also executed a few correct and spirited etchings from his own designs, which are highly esteemed. He died at Sienna in 1610. See Spooner, Biog. Hist. of the Fine Arts, s.v.