Pietro Novelli

Pietro Novelli (* March 2, 1603 in Monreale, † August 1647 in Palermo) called "Il Monrealese " was the most important Sicilian painter of the 17th century.

Life and work

He enjoyed the training with his father Pietro Antonio Novelli (* 1568 † Monreale Monreale). Particularly affected he was by the works of Caravaggio and Van Dyck, who worked in Palermo in 1624. Novellis images gained thereby to delicacy and elegance. Shortly after 1630, he left Sicily and traveled to Italy, where he came to Naples and Rome. In Naples he was impressed especially the work of Spanish artist Ribera, in the result of the merger of the art of Caravaggio and his own realism, the art of Spain and Naples, 17th century decisively influenced. After Novelli's return emerged from 1634 in rapid succession numerous panel paintings and frescos, to whom he gave a hitherto unknown in Sicily new force and effect. His motifs he drew mainly on religious topics with which he usually adorned churches. In Monreale he created in 1635 his main work: The life of Saint Benedict. This and other works, such as Cain and Abel after the murder, or The Virgin wedding, established his artistic reputation in Sicily. Novelli held from 1643 the Office of the royal architect. His grave is in the church of San Domenico of Palermo.

Developed by Novelli artistic direction took place after his death in Sicily, not a sequel. His son Pietro Antonio Novelli II (* 1622, † 1643) and the daughter Rosalia Novelli (* 1628) were also painters.

The image of Mary with the Child ( Madonna con il Bambino in Gloria ) is located in the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia in Palermo.