Benedetto Luti

Luti was born in Florence. He moved to Rome in 1691 where he was patronized by Cosimo III de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, an enthusiast for the pastel portrait. Luti was one of the first artists to work in pastels as the final composition as opposed to initial studies for paintings or frescoes. He also worked in oils and painted frescoes for the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. He quickly rose to prominence and in 1694 was elected to the Accademia di S Luca. He produced a variety of works for the leading Roman families and enjoyed the patronage of Pope Clement XI. Luti was one of the great colorists of 18th-century Rome. He was not a prolific painter. One explanation for Luti’s restricted artistic production is his activity in the Roman art world as connoisseur, collector and academician. Luti was also a successful art dealer and ran a school of drawing.