SILVANI, Pier Francesco
(b. 1620, Firenze, d. 1685, Pisa)

Biography

Italian architect and designer, active in Florence and other sites in Tuscany. He was part of a family of artists of Sienese origin. Following the confiscation of goods decreed in 1536 by Cosimo (later Cosimo I, Duke of Florence and Grand Duke of Tuscany), Francesco Silvani was obliged to pursue a modest commercial career. He had three sons, Silvano Silvani, Salvatore Silvani and Gherardo Silvani. At the beginning of the 17th century the Silvani were considered one of the rising Florentine families, due in particular to the professional success of Gherardo, whose own son, Pier Francesco Silvani, carried on the successful career of his father.

Pier Francesco worked on San Gaetano and in the refurbishment of San Marco in Florence, as well as in collaboration with Giovanni Battista Foggini, the aisle and high altar for the Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri in Pisa. He also added Baroque touches to Bernardo Buontalenti's garden behind the Palazzo Corsini in Florence.



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