Giuseppe Bezzuoli

Giuseppe Bezzuoli ( born November 28, 1784 in Florence, † September 13, 1855 ) was an Italian historical and portrait painter.

Life and work

Bezzuoli worked and studied in the studio of the history painter Luigi Sabatelli and was later enrolled at the Florentine Academy. The young artist devoted himself entirely to the first history painting and in 1811 won a gold medal. This was followed by a relocation to Rome, where he studied the works of Raphael and his School of Athens copied. Subsequently he turned away from the academic classicism and joined the Romantic school in France, whose tendencies he introduced in the Florentine school of painting. In 1814 he was an assistant teacher at the Florentine Academy, in 1816 appointed professor of draughtsmanship. In 1829, he brought it to Help painter for painting, 1844, he was finally appointed as successor to the great Pietro Benvenuti as a full professor for painting. As such, he entered with vehemence for painting on a live model as well as for the special study of light effects.

As an independent artist Bezzuoli was one of the most striking colorists of his time. He painted not only in oil but also produced frescoes, which are located mainly in Florence. His portraits and history paintings are in museums and art collections throughout Europe.

Works (excerpt)

• Portrait of Julius Haynau, 1853, oil on canvas, KHM, permanent loan to the Museum of Military History in Vienna
• The Entry of Charles VIII into Florence, 1829, oil on canvas, Palazzo Pitti, Florence
• Portrait of Maria Antonia of the Two Sicilies, 1836, Galleria d' Arte Moderna, Florence
• Portrait of Grand Duke Leopold II of Tuscany in the robes of the Order of St. Stephen, circa 1840, Palazzo della Carovana, Pisa
• Assumption of the Virgin, oil on canvas, Museo dell'Opera di Santa Croce, Florence