1687 – 1767
Giovanni Battista Pittoni (also known as Giambattista Pittoni, June 6, 1687 – November 16, 1767) was an Italian painter and one of the most significant representatives of the Venetian Rococo movement. Born in Venice, Pittoni came from a family of painters and initially learned the craft from his uncle, Francesco Pittoni. Together, they completed the painting Samson and Delilah in 1716, marking the early stages of Giovanni’s artistic development.
Pittoni’s early works were influenced by the Baroque style, particularly by the Venetian painter Antonio Balestra. However, his own artistic voice emerged in the early 18th century, as seen in works such as The Martyrdom of Saint Thomas (1720, Venice, Church of San Stae) and Diana and Actaeon (Vicenza, Museo Civico Palazzo Chiericati). These works exhibit Pittoni’s mastery of color, especially his use of rich blues, his fluid compositions, and an exquisite refinement characteristic of European Rococo art.
Pittoni’s art drew comparisons to Sebastiano Ricci and Giovanni Battista Tiepolo due to its vibrant color palette and graceful form. Notable works from this period include Saints Peter and Paul with Pius V Adoring the Virgin (Vicenza, Church of Santa Corona) and The Oath of Hannibal (Milan, Pinacoteca di Brera). Throughout the 1720s, his reputation grew, and he contributed to larger collaborative works, such as the Tombeaux des Princes cycle, alongside Canaletto, Marco Ricci, and Sebastiano Ricci, among others.
During the 1730s and 1740s, Pittoni reached the height of his artistic maturity, with masterpieces like The Nativity (Rovigo, Accademia dei Concordi) and The Continence of Scipio (Paris, Louvre). He also painted the allegories on the ceiling of Ca’ Pesaro in Venice. His technique became more refined, with sophisticated chiaroscuro and a dynamic interplay of contrasting colors.
His religious works are found across northern Italy, including The Ecstasy of Saint Andrew Avellino (1742, Brescia, Church of San Gaetano) and Madonna with Child Adored by Saint Charles Borromeo (1745, Brescia, Church of Santa Maria della Pace). His Deposition is housed in the parish church of Manerbio, and his Contemplation of the Virgin can be found in Palazzo Lechi in Montirone.
In his later years, Pittoni’s style displayed a return to more somber tones, as seen in works like *The Martyrdom of Saint Esteria* (Bergamo Cathedral) and *The Annunciation* (1757, Venice, Gallerie dell’Accademia). These mature works reflect a deliberate shift towards a deeper, warmer color palette, often featuring his signature use of blue.
Pittoni was also a significant figure in Venetian art education. Along with Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and Giovanni Maria Morlaiter, he co-founded the Venetian Academy of Fine Arts, where he served as president and taught for many years.
He passed away in Venice on November 16, 1767, and is buried in the Church of San Giacomo dall’Orio. His influence extended beyond his lifetime, particularly through his students, including Cesare Ligari, who carried Pittoni’s Venetian style into other regions of Italy.
Today, Pittoni’s legacy as a master of Rococo painting endures through his works housed in major museums and churches across Europe.
