Rancesco De' Rossi (see Salviati, Cecchino Del) Paintings


Francesco de' Rossi, who was also known as Cecchino del Salviati or simply Salviati, was an Italian Mannerist painter from Florence. His nickname 'Salviati' came from his patronage by the Salviati family, and 'Cecchino' is a diminutive of Francesco. He was born in 1510 and was initially trained by his father, who was a goldsmith. Later, he became a pupil of Giuliano Bugiardini and worked alongside his friend Giorgio Vasari, who was also a prominent painter and art historian.

Salviati's work is characterized by its sophisticated use of color and complex compositions that reflect the Mannerist style of the time, which was known for its artificial elegance and emphasis on style over substance. He was influenced by other Mannerist artists like Jacopo Pontormo and Rosso Fiorentino, which is evident in his dynamic and often dramatic artworks.

After training in Florence, Salviati moved to Rome around 1531, where he became involved in the decoration of the Palazzo Sacchetti and Palazzo Farnese. His work in Rome helped him to gain significant recognition. One of his notable contributions was the fresco cycle in the Sala di Clemente VII in the Palazzo della Cancelleria, which he created around 1540s. This work, which depicts scenes from the life of Pope Clement VII, showcases Salviati's talent for narrative and his ability to integrate his work into the architectural environment.

Salviati briefly returned to Florence but spent much of his career in Rome, where he took on a number of prestigious commissions. He painted for various churches and patrons, including the decoration of the Sala Regia in the Vatican Palace.

His later years were marked by an increased use of intricate details and complex allegorical themes. Despite his success, Salviati's life was somewhat tumultuous, and he was known for his fiery temperament. He died in Rome in 1563, leaving behind a legacy that would influence the generations of artists to come, particularly in the realm of Mannerist painting.