Francesco Conti

Francesco Conti developed artistically in Florence in the sphere of Simone Pignoni, and later moved to Rome, where he studied under Giovanni Maria Morandi and Carlo Maratta until the year 1700. His entire artistic career was characterised by the constant presence of the Marquises Riccardi, who supported him all his life as well as paying him a salary. They commissioned his first known works: three canvases representing fame, faith and peace, which he carried out in around 1709 for their country house or Casino of Gualfonda. These were the only profane paintings the artist ever produced (with the exclusion of some portraits); his real mètier was in fact religious painting, a sector that he dominated in Florence for about fifty years.