1710 |
Born Corleone, Sicily |
1736 |
First recorded as printmaker in Palermo (contributes 10 views to La reggia in trionfo, a book celebrating the crowning of Charles III Bourbon as King of the two Sicilies).
Moves to Rome same year continues service to the royal family (never loses patronage) opens his own workshop.
Develops a successful practice as a “vedutista” following the lead of other famous painters and print makers who made views of Rome such
as Giovanni Paolo Panini (1691-1765), Gaspare Vanvitelli (1652/53-1736), Falda (1643-1678). |
1739 |
“Vedute sul Tevere” published
Mentors Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778) who works in his studio at this time Collaborates with Giambattista Nolli (1701-1756) |
1747-1761 |
Begins publication of his masterwork “delle Magnificenze di Roma antica e moderna” in 10 volumes with 238 views of the city.
The style of work is decidedly anti-classical in flavor and often humorous if not satirical in character [brings to mind the caricatures of Pier Leone Ghezzi (1705-10)] |
1748 |
Moves studio and print shop to Palazzo Farnese, owned by the Bourbon kings of Naples. |
1758 |
Prints various ephemeral apparati for patrons
Ongoing series of festival prints: Chinea |
1763 |
Publishes guide book “Itinerario istruttivo diviso in otto giornate per ritrovare con facilita tutte le antiche e moderne Magnificenze” |
1765 |
Completes “Prospetto dell’alma citta di Roma” (390 index items)
republishes guide book as “Indice istorico del gran prospetto di Roma” |
1765-1771 |
Publishes the four “Patriarchal Church” series including
S. Pietro (with the Tiber and Castel S. Angelo in the foreground)
S. Maria Maggiore
S. Giovanni Laterano (with the Forum in the foreground)
S. Paolo fuori le Mura |
1782 |
Dies in Rome. Presumed buried in S. Caterina della Rota.
Son Mariano continues work with less successful results, reissuing plates with minor changes. |
