CIRCLE OF FELICE CIGNANI (ITALIAN 1660-1724)
Madonna and Child with angels
oil on canvas
35.5 x 45.5 cm

In a carved and gilded 18th century Le Brun frame.

Felice Cignani (1660-1724) an Italian painter of the Baroque era, known for his religious and mythological works. He was born in Bologna and trained under the painter Giovanni Battista Cairo, who was part of the Carracci school.

Cignani's early works were heavily influenced by the Carracci family's naturalistic style, but he later adopted a more decorative and theatrical approach to painting. He became known for his use of vibrant colours and dynamic compositions, which often included graceful figures and elaborate drapery.

Cignani's most famous works include his frescoes in the Palazzo del Giardino in Parma, which depict scenes from Ovid's Metamorphoses. He also painted altarpieces and other religious works for churches throughout Italy.

In addition to his painting, Cignani was also a respected art teacher and mentor, and he counted several notable painters among his students. He died in Forlì in 1724.