Emilio Taruffi

1633 – 1696

Italian painter and copyist. He was a pupil of Francesco Albani, whose influence is apparent in his early altarpiece of St Lawrence (c. 1654; Ravenna, Santa Maria in Porto). He may subsequently have studied with Carlo Cignani, with whom he collaborated on frescoes (e.g. Francis I ) in the Sala Farnese, Palazzo Pubblico, Bologna (1658-60; in situ), and, later, on frescoes representing scenes from the Life of St Andrew in Sant'Andrea della Valle, Rome (1662-65; in situ). His few surviving works also include two undated altarpieces: SS John Abbot and Maurice (Parma, San Giovanni Evangelista) and the Virgin with SS Martin, Agnes and Christina (Casalvecchio di Reno, nr Bologna, parish church). The Virgin Appearing to St Peter Celestine (1682; San Giovanni Battista dei Celestini, Bologna) is his best-known painting. It exhibits his familiarity with the works of Annibale Carracci and Guercino, and is notable for its stylish incorporation of the classical conventions of Bolognese painting.

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