Giovanni Antonio Lecchi Artwork valuations, appraisals and auction estimates

Giovanni Antonio Lecchi, often also cited in the form Giannantonio Lecchi or even just Antonio Lecchi (Milan, 17 November 1702 – 24 July 1776), was an Italian Jesuit, mathematician and scholar of navigable canals. After completing his first studies at the Jesuit college of Brera, he entered the Society of Jesus in 1718, professing his vows in 1736. Read the full biography

Giovanni Antonio Lecchi, often also cited in the form Giannantonio Lecchi or even just Antonio Lecchi (Milan, 17 November 1702 – 24 July 1776), was an Italian Jesuit, mathematician and scholar of navigable canals. After completing his first studies at the Jesuit college of Brera, he entered the Society of Jesus in 1718, professing his vows in 1736. He taught humanities in Pavia and Vercelli, eloquence in Milan and later mathematics in Pavia and Milan. His first work was published in Milan in 1739 and concerns the theory of light (Theoria lucis, opticam, perspectivam, catoptricam, dioptricam complecten). Empress Maria Theresa of Austria called him to Vienna with the title of imperial mathematician and hydrographer. Pope Clement XIII later appointed him director of the hydraulic works of the papal territories, he renounced the position with the advent of Clement XIV. His family owned Villa Lecchi in Crescenzago, on the Naviglio Martesana.