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Ingenious Italians : immigrant artists in eighteenth-century Britain

Italian artists working in eighteenth-century Britain played a significant role in the country's developing interest in the fine arts. The contributions of artists arriving before mid-century, including Pellegrini, Ricci, and Canaletto, have been noted, but the presence of a larger number of Italians from mid-century is seldom acknowledged. Increasing British wealth and attention to the arts meant more customers for immigrant Italian artists. Bringing with them the skills for which they were renowned throughout Europe, their talents were valued in Britain. Many stayed for prolonged periods, raising families and becoming active members in the artistic community. In a thriving economy, they found opportunities to produce innovative works for a new clientele, devising histories, landscapes, portraits, and prints to entice buyers. The most successful were accomplished networkers, maintaining cordial relationships with British artists and cultivating a variety of patrons. They influenced others through teaching, through formal and informal exchanges with colleagues, and through exhibition of their works that could be studied and emulated.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:750091
Date January 2018
CreatorsMcHale, Katherine Jean
ContributorsCassidy, Brendan
PublisherUniversity of St Andrews
Source SetsEthos UK
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation
Sourcehttp://hdl.handle.net/10023/13854

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