Antonio Francesco Peruzzini was an Italian painter of the Baroque period, renowned for his landscapes and pastoral scenes that exhibit a remarkable sense of naturalism and attention to detail. He was born in Ancona, Italy, in 1646, and is often associated with the Marchigian school of painting, which originated from the Marche region where he was born.
Peruzzini received his initial artistic training from his father, who was also a painter. He later moved to Rome to further his studies and work. In Rome, he came under the influence of artists such as Gaspard Dughet, who was known for his classicizing landscapes. This influence is evident in Peruzzini's work, which often features idyllic and harmonious compositions inspired by the Roman countryside.
After spending time in Rome, Peruzzini traveled to northern Italy, where he worked for various patrons. His landscapes became highly sought after, and he was known to collaborate with other artists, adding landscape backgrounds to their figurative works. For example, he worked with figure painters such as Francesco Mancini and Giuseppe Maria Crespi, integrating his landscape expertise into larger compositions.
Peruzzini's works are characterized by their serene atmosphere and delicate portrayal of light. He was adept at capturing different times of day and the varying moods of nature. His paintings often included small human figures, animals, or classical ruins, which helped to create a sense of scale and added a narrative element to his landscapes.
Throughout his career, Peruzzini's style evolved, showing an increased interest in dramatic light effects and more rugged terrain. This later period of his work suggests an awareness of the changing tastes in European art, as the Baroque began to give way to the Rococo and the burgeoning Enlightenment.
Peruzzini died in Milan in 1724. Today, his works can be found in various art collections and museums across Italy and Europe. They continue to be appreciated for their beauty and historical value, offering insights into the landscape painting traditions of the 17th and early 18th centuries.