Lazzaro Luxardo Paintings

Lazzaro Luxardo was not an artist in the traditional sense of painting or sculpture, but rather an influential figure in the world of culinary arts, specifically in the distillation and production of liqueur. Born in 1784 in Zara, a city that was then part of the Venetian Republic and is now in modern-day Croatia, Luxardo moved into the world of liqueur production somewhat serendipitously. The Luxardo family originally hailed from Genova but moved to the Dalmatian city of Zara. Lazzaro's foray into liqueur production began when his wife, Maria Canevari, started making a traditional liqueur at home, known as Rosolio Maraschino, which was derived from special sour Marasca cherries native to the region. This homemade liqueur quickly gained popularity among friends and acquaintances for its unique taste and quality.

Recognizing the potential for commercial production, Lazzaro Luxardo founded the Luxardo company in 1821, obtaining an exclusive “privilege” from the Emperor of Austria, which was a sort of license granting him the sole right to produce and sell the Maraschino liqueur. This marked the official start of the Luxardo brand, which focused on perfecting and commercially producing Maraschino liqueur. The company's dedication to quality, including the control of the entire production chain from cherry orchards to distillation and bottling, set a high standard in the industry.

Despite facing challenges such as wars, the destruction of the original factory during World War II, and the subsequent relocation of the surviving family members and company headquarters to Northern Italy, the Luxardo company has flourished over the centuries. It remains a family-run business, now in its sixth generation, and has expanded its product range to include a variety of liqueurs and spirits that are recognized and appreciated worldwide.

Lazzaro Luxardo's legacy, therefore, is not encapsulated in a traditional artistic oeuvre but rather in the enduring success of the Luxardo brand and its products, which have become synonymous with quality and tradition in the world of spirits. The Luxardo company's impact on the culinary and beverage industry, with its commitment to tradition, innovation, and quality, continues to be a testament to Lazzaro’s visionary entrepreneurship. Lazzaro Luxardo passed away in 1865, but his pioneering spirit and the brand he established have left a lasting mark on the global culinary landscape.