Paolo Emilio Besenzi
Paolo Emilio Besenzi (1608–1656) was an Italian painter, sculptor, and architect of the 17th century, born and active in Reggio Emilia. He lived and worked as a painter, sculptor and architect in Reggio Emilia in the first half of the 17th century. According to Tiraboschi he was sent to France for a short time, at the court of Louis XIII, who would have named him a knight.[1] He trained with Francesco Albani, and was a friend and companion of Lionello Spada. He was buried in the now demolished church of Santa Maria Maddalena, for which he designed the main altar.[2]
Works
Among the works by the artist were:
- a canvas depicting the Martyrdom of St Placido and St Flavia for the church of San Pietro, Reggio Emilia;
- a Mystic marriage of St Catherine of Alexandria;
- a canvas depicting St Simone, Saints Bernard and Catherine that once was atop the Altar of the Brusati at San Prospero.[3]
In the Church of San Pietro, beyond the canvas of St Placido, are several sculptural works:
- a stucco image of Jesus Resurrected, in the vaulted ceiling of the main sacristy;
- the statues of Saints Peter and Prospero in the chancel;
- the stucco decoration for the altars of St Placido and St Giulia.[4]
He made also twelve apostles and four evangelists for the Confraternity of San Domenico;[5][6] the twelve apostles are lost. It is said that Besenzi helped design the reconstruction of the Church of Sant'Agostino.
References
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- ↑ Tiraboschi, G: By the 19th-century, replaced by a Deposition by Pier Maria Clementi
- ↑ B. Adorni, E. Monducci, I Benedettini a Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, 2002
- ↑ G. Tiraboschi: the latter were transferred in 1770 to the Cathedral, and by Fra Stefano da Carpi, the latter were converted to patriarchs of the Bible.
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