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Historical Artist - Marco Benefial (1684 - 1764)
Amidst the development of the Baroque style and naturalism, Marco Benefial stayed loyal to his
interests in the classical tradition of Annibale Carracci and Raphael. One of his paintings was
rejected for an exhibition at the Pantheon in 1703. Then in 1720, Benefial successfully
protested Pope Clement XI’s decree allowing only Accademia di San Luca members to teach
drawing, resulting in the rulings removal. A papal commission for a Roman church in 1718 granted
him the title of Cavaliere. Benefial painted numerous frescoes, altarpieces, and portraits. At
the age of 57, he was admitted to the Accademia di San Luca. However, he was expelled in 1755
for dismissing the group’s members as ignorant and untalented.
His paintings portrayed tangible human figures, with complex treatment of space, and luminous,
warm colors. Along with the altarpieces and frescoes, he also painted many portraits. Because he
partnered with some inferior artists who subsequently received credit, some of his paintings
have been frequently misidentified.
Contemporary Italian Artists
Art Galleries in Italy
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