PELLEGRINI, Giovanni Antonio
(b. 1675, Venezia, d. 1741, Venezia)

Mucius Scaevola before Porsenna

1706-08
Oil on canvas, 179 x 139 cm
Museo del Settecento Veneziano, Ca' Rezzonico, Venice

This painting is a fine example of the mature work of Pellegrini, a great exponent of international Rococo, all centred on the quality of the bright colour and a light, softened design. The painting blends the neo-cinquecento style ushered in by Sebastiano Ricci with the chiaroscuro effects of Luca Giordano, Solimena, and Baciccio.