Giovanni Paolo Pannini

Born in Piacenze in 1691 or 1692. First studied architecture and perspective there under Francesco Galli Bibiena. Additional training beginning in 1717 as a pupil of Benedetto Luti and inspired by works of Salvator Rosa and Pier Leone Ghezzi. Fondness for imaginary landscapes with ruins and architectural capriccios. In 1718 he became a member of the 'Congregazione dei Virtuosi' and shortly afterwards of the Accademia di S. Luca. The 1722 commissions from Pope Innocent XIII for paintings in the Palazzo del Quirinale and numerous paintings for the architect Juvara in Rome attest to his renown. Died in Rome in 1765.