Drawing, Madonna and Saints, ca. 1730 (CH 18550499)

Sebastiano Conca was trained in Naples under Francesco Solimena, a prominent Baroque painter. Conca quickly gained recognition for his talent and was commissioned to paint frescoes in several churches in Naples. In 1706, Conca moved to Rome where he continued his studies and became a member of the Accademia di San Luca. He quickly established himself as a successful painter and received commissions from the Pope and other important patrons. Conca's style was heavily influenced by the Baroque movement, characterised by dramatic lighting, intense emotion and grandiose compositions. However, he also incorporated elements of Classicism into his work, creating a unique blend of styles. Throughout his career, Conca painted religious scenes, mythological subjects and portraits. Some of his most famous works include 'The Triumph of David', 'The Four Evangelists' and 'The Martyrdom of St Lawrence'. In addition to his career as a painter, Conca was also a respected art teacher. He taught at the Accademia di San Luca and had many students who went on to become successful painters in their own right. Sebastiano Conca died in Rome in 1764 at the age of 84. His legacy lives on through his impressive body of work and his influence on the Italian Baroque and Classicism movements.