Francesco Solimena, the painter who bewitched the Kingdom of Naples

Dario Melissano 25 February 2025

Francesco Solimena was born on October 4, 1657 in Canale, a hamlet of the municipality of Serino (province of Avellino). Firstborn of Angelo Solimena, a local painter, and Marta Grisignano. From an early age, he received an education that would prove fundamental for his artistic formation, thanks to the commitment of his father, who directed him to complete humanistic and artistic studies. This approach is clearly reflected in his letters and sonnets that he wrote throughout his life, demonstrating a remarkable linguistic mastery.

In the 1670s, Solimena began to emerge in the artistic scene, creating works on his own and collaborating with his father. His skill was reflected in commissioned works, such as those for the church of San Domenico in Solofra and the church of San Bartolomeo in Nocera Superiore. His career took off in 1677, the year in which he received his first important public commission: the fresco of the vault of the chapel dedicated to Saint Anna in the Gesù Nuovo in Naples. This commission represented a crucial stage in his artistic career and helped consolidate his reputation. In the following years, the demand for his works by nobles and viceroys increased dramatically, consolidating Solimena as one of the most sought-after painters of his time and in general as a leading figure in the southern artistic scene.

He died on 5 April 1747 and was buried in the church of San Domenico in Barra.

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Francesco Solimena, the painter who bewitched the Kingdom of Naples

Written by Dario Melissano

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Francesco Solimena, the painter who bewitched the Kingdom of Naples

Written by Dario Melissano

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