Italian paintings of the 16 th -18 th Centuries in the Gatchina Palace Museum

Italian paintings of this period possessed by the Gatchina Palace Museum number over fifty pieces. Despite its modest size the collection is undoubtly of interest since it comprises several 16 th -century paintings: one attributed to Giulio Romano; some painted by great masters like Salvator Rosa, Francesco Zuccarelli and Francesco Guardi; and several paintings by less distinguished but important artists like Viviano Codazzi, Luca Forte and Nicolo Bambini.

L. Massari XVII CENTURY

S. ROSA XVII CENTURY

The Gatchina collection of paintings, including the Italian pieces, was initiated by Count Grigory Orlov who was the Palace's fist owner. From 1783 on, the Gatchina estate was in the possession of Crown Prince Pavel. After his accession Emperor Pavel had many paintings brought from the Hermitage to Gatchina. Under his successors the Gatchina collection continued to be replenished by paintings from the Hermitage.

Unknown Venetian Artist of XVII century

F. Zuccarelli XVII century Bellotto 1740 th Gvardy

Toward the beginning of the 20 th century it had become quite a remarkable. After that the Gatchina collection, whose composition had been radically changed, was never published in full.

P. De Matteis ‘Appolon and Galatia’ 1713

Nicolo Bambini ‘Jupiter and Io’ Canvas, oil XVII century