Early Life and Training
Francesco Hayez, an Italian painter, was born on February 10, 1791, in a relatively poor family from Venice. His father, Giovanni, was of French origin, while his mother, Chiara Torcella, was from Murano. Hayez showed a predisposition for drawing from childhood and was apprenticed to an art restorer by his uncle.
Artistic Career
Hayez became a student of the painter
Francesco Maggiotto, with whom he continued his studies for three years. He was admitted to the painting course of the New Academy of Fine Arts in 1806, where he studied under
Teodoro Matteini. In 1809, Hayez won a competition from the Academy of Venice for one year of study at the Accademia di San Luca in Rome.
Notable Works and Style
Hayez's output spanned both historic paintings and portraits. Some of his notable works include:
- The Kiss, considered among his best work by contemporaries, which has gained esteem over time.
- Odalisque (1867), a semi-clothed female, often evocative of oriental themes.
- Susanna at her Bath (1859), a nude bather, showcasing his ability to capture sensuality in his subjects.
- Portrait, Matilde Juva-Branca (1851), one of his portraits that has the intensity seen with Ingres and the Nazarene movement.
Museums and Collections
Hayez's works can be found in various museums, including
Civica Galleria d'Arte Moderna in Milan, Italy. This museum houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, featuring works by renowned artists like Hayez,
Giovanni Bellini, and
Umberto Boccioni.
Legacy and Influence
Hayez lived a long and prolific life, passing away on December 21, 1882. His legacy as the leading artist of Romanticism in mid-19th-century Milan endures, with his works continuing to be celebrated for their grand historical themes, political allegories, and exceptionally fine portraits.
Important: For more information on Hayez's life and works, visit
Discover the Masterpieces of Museo Nazionale (Palermo, Italy), which features a collection of Italian art from various periods and styles.