Early Life and Training
Pietro Longhi, a renowned Venetian painter, was born in Venice in the parish of Saint Maria on November 5, 1701. He was the first child of Alessandro Falca, a silversmith, and his wife Antonia. Longhi adopted his last name when he began to paint, initially taught by the Veronese painter Antonio Balestra.
Artistic Career
Longhi's early work included altarpieces and religious themes, with his first major documented piece being an altarpiece for the church of San Pellegrino in 1732. He later specialized in small-scale genre works, earning him the title "The Venetian William Hogarth." His gallant interior scenes reflect the 18th century's focus on the private and bourgeois.
- Longhi's paintings often feature masked figures engaging in various activities, such as The Meeting of the Procuratore and His Wife, showcasing his satirical perspective.
- His works, like Duck Hunters on the Lagoon, demonstrate his ability to capture everyday life in Venice.
- Longhi's many drawings, typically in black chalk or pencil heightened with white chalk on colored paper, were often done for their own sake, rather than as studies for paintings.
Museum and Art Movement
Longhi's work can be found in various museums, including the
Pinacoteca Querini Stampalia in Venice, which features his scenes from the hunt (Caccia). His style is characteristic of the Venetian Painting Art Movement, which emphasized color over line and contrasted with the Mannerism prevalent in Italy.
Notable Works:
Legacy
Pietro Longhi passed away on May 8, 1785, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most celebrated genre painters of his time. His work continues to be admired for its unique blend of satire and everyday life, offering a glimpse into 18th-century Venice.
View more works by Pietro Longhi on WahooArt.com.