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Artwork Description

We look slightly down at an ornate fountain in a dirt and stone courtyard surrounded by about two dozen people, many of whom look at or gesture toward the fountain in this vertical painting. Most of the people have pale, peachy skin but one man, near the lower center, has dark brown skin and short black hair. The fountain has a broad, shell-shaped base filled with glimmering, aquamarine-blue water. In the basin, and as if carved from gray stone, two muscular, nude men blow horns as they ride stylized dolphins, which spout water into the pool. Two more people wearing robes sit atop a tall, pedestal-shaped form that rises from the back of the shell base. The person to our left holds aloft a bowl and the other holds a vessel on her lap as she turns to look up and behind her at the pinnacle of the fountain. There, a person, also carved from stone, sits on a throne and points down with one hand while the other, closer to us, rests on a short column with three flame-like protrusions up each side. He leans back against a short, curving ship with an oar coming through a porthole to our right. A nude, chubby, baby-like cherub straddles the rudder like a horse to our right. The sun falls down the front of the fountain, especially highlighting the middle tier and bottom shell-shaped basin, and it illuminates the people gathered around and near its base. One man to our left kneels on the edge of the basin and dips one hand in, as several others stand around it and look up at or point toward it. Most of the people wear robes, cloaks, and tunics in mustard yellow, tomato red, peach, white, and royal or light blue. A few vignettes draw the eye, including two men wearing chains on their ankles, are sprawled in shadow in the lower left corner of the composition. In that same cluster, two men stand and gesture toward the fountain while another sits at their feet. Nearby, the man with brown skin sits in front of a light-skinned man wearing a turban, a striped tunic, and a short sword hanging from his belt. The turbaned man stands with his back to us and rests his right hand on the handle of a pointed axe, using it like a cane. To our right, a person wearing an armor breastplate under a ruby-red cloak stands next to a balding man who also points up at the fountain. A young man wearing a lemon-yellow suit sits on a fallen block in the lower right corner of the composition, holding a board on his lap and presumably sketching the fountain, as a man wearing sapphire blue looks on. More people walk toward the fountain down in front of a gate to our right of the fountain. Beyond, plants and vegetation grow among ruins with columns, a stone obelisk, and a tall narrow pyramid. Pale pink clouds float in the pastel blue sky above. The artists signed their names as if written on the face of a stone block near the lower left: “B.” and “M.” next to “RICCI Faciebant.”

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Artist Biography

biography of a vigorous and luminous painter

sebastiano ricci, an italian painter from belluno, was born on august 1, 1659, and passed away on may 15, 1734. he was a prominent figure in the late baroque school of venice, known for his grand manner fresco painting style.

early life and training

ricci's artistic journey began at a young age. in 1671, he was apprenticed to federico cervelli of venice. however, some sources claim that his first master was sebastiano mazzoni.

notable works and commissions

* bacchus and ariadne (national gallery, london, united kingdom), a painting showcasing ricci's mastery of the baroque style. * memorial to admiral sir clowdisley shovell (oil on canvas), a testament to his ability to capture the essence of a moment. * the decoration of the oratory of the madonna of the seraglio (1685-1687) in collaboration with ferdinando galli-bibiena, receiving a payment of 4,482 lira.

artistic style and influences

ricci's work was influenced by giovanni gioseffo dal sole's style during his time in bologna. his paintings often featured grand, luminous, and vigorous themes, making him a representative of the late baroque school of venice.

legacy and later life

ricci's artistic career was marked by periods of turmoil, including imprisonment and scandals. however, he continued to produce notable works, such as venus takes leave from adonis, which showcased his skill in capturing heavenly depictions. he ultimately accepted foreign patronage in london, working on a commission for lord burlington.

view sebastiano ricci's artwork on ArtsDot.com
explore more about the baroque school of venice and its influences on wikipedia
discover other notable artists from the same period, such as luigi bonazza, on ArtsDot.com

important: this article is based on the available information from ArtsDot.com and may be subject to change as more data becomes available.

Sebastiano Ricci

1659 - 1734 , Italy

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Late Baroque
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Marco Ricci']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Giovanni Gioseffo dal Sole']
Date Of Birth: August 1, 1659
Date Of Death: May 15, 1734
Full Name: Sebastiano Ricci
Nationality: Italian
Notable Artworks:
- Bacchus and Ariadne
- Venus takes leave
- Dream of Aesculapius
Place Of Birth: Belluno, Italy