Ubaldo Gandolfi Biography
Ubaldo Gandolfi was born on 14 October 1728 in San Matteo della Decima, near Bologna. Thanks to his family's position, he moved to Bologna at the age of ten to study drawing and then attend the Clementina Academy of painting, sculpture and architecture. His training was influenced by the works of Pellegrino Tibaldi, the Carracci and Guercino.
During his years of study, he successfully participated in the Clementine competitions which included graphics tests. Gandolfi, in addition to creating decorations for the ceiling of Count Malvasia's palace, was one of the greatest Bolognese artists of his century, becoming skilled at outlining shapes with sanguine, charcoal and pen sketches. Contrary to expectations, Gandolfi also dedicated himself to portraiture, producing numerous canvases depicting young women, children, shop boys, men and women portrayed from life and old men with realistic features.
Gandolfi died of malarial fever on 24 July 1781 in Ravenna.
