The Life and Career of Domenico Corvi
Domenico Corvi was an Italian painter active during the close of the 18th century. Born in Viterbo, he moved to Rome to work under Francesco Mancini. His early career involved works in Viterbo and Palestrina, as well as the decoration of churches in and around Rome. In 1750, he won first prize at the Accademia di San Luca, later becoming a full member in 1756. During this time, he returned to his native Viterbo to participate in decorating the church of the Gonfalone, contributing roundels of the apostles Saints Simon and Jude and a scene of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.
Corvi's professional journey included significant commissions for various patrons. His works include:
- A series of canvases in Vedana, including an altarpiece of Saint Michael Archangel for the church of Trinità dei Monti.
- Scenes for the Palazzo Barberini in Rome, depicting the Life of the Blessed Margherita Colonna and subjects from Venetian history.
- A painting in Turin, San Domenico, titled Victor Amadeus I, Duke of Savoy, Expelling the Plague with the Lamp of the Madonna delle Grazie in 1630.
- The painting The Miracle of Saint Joseph Calasanz Resuscitating a Child, located in the Wadsworth Atheneum.
- Works for the Borghese family, such as an altarpiece of Saint Leo IV Extinguishing the Fire in the Borgo and a ceiling with the Sacrifice of Iphigenia.
Later Works and Official Roles
In his later years, Corvi engaged in church decoration throughout Italy, spanning from Ravenna to Pisa, and from Venice to Spoleto. His ecclesiastical commissions included large canvases for the Cathedral of St. Ursus in Solothurn, Switzerland, featuring The Last Supper, the Coronation of the Virgin, the Incredulity of Saint Thomas, and the Pentecost.
Corvi held several official positions within the Accademia di San Luca. From 1757, he served as the director of the Scuola del Nudo at Campodoglio. His pupils included Giuseppe Cades, Francesco Alberi, and Vincenzo Camuccini. He died in Rome.
