Francesco Maria Legnani Detto Il Legnanino Artwork valuations, appraisals and auction estimates

Stefano Maria Legnani, known as Il Legnanino, was born on 6 April 1661 in Milan. Few details are known about his early education, but it is known that his first teachings were given to him by his father and grandfather, who were successful and wealthy painters. Read the full biography

Stefano Maria Legnani, known as Il Legnanino, was born on 6 April 1661 in Milan. Few details are known about his early education, but it is known that his first teachings were given to him by his father and grandfather, who were successful and wealthy painters. According to sources, he may have served his apprenticeship in Bologna with Carlo Cignani and then at Carlo Maratta's workshop in Rome. It was probably thanks to his paternal uncle that Legnanino received his first major decorative commission, in 1687, consisting of the fresco in the triumphal arch of the church of Sant'Angelo ai Frati Minori, which depicted the Coronation of the Virgin. This work allowed the artist to make himself known and appreciated in Milan. Legnanino's compositional and stylistic characteristics are evident: great scenographic effects, inspired by Correggio, figures with soft contours and pastel colours. Between 1691 and 1695, Legnanino's activity became increasingly intense thanks to the numerous commissions entrusted to him. In 1695, the painter was admitted to the Accademia di San Luca, becoming its director in 1698. Stefano Maria Legnani died suddenly in Milan on 4 May 1713, at just fifty-two years old.