Francesco Bartolozzi Artwork valuations, appraisals and auction estimates

Francesco Bartolozzi (Florence, 1727 - Lisbon, 1815). Son of an important goldsmith, he began to observe him while he worked and soon learned the first secrets of the etching and engraving technique; at ten years old he created his first work. Read the full biography

Francesco Bartolozzi (Florence, 1727 - Lisbon, 1815). Son of an important goldsmith, he began to observe him while he worked and soon learned the first secrets of the etching and engraving technique; at ten years old he created his first work. He trained at the Florentine Academy and subsequently moved to Venice to work in a prestigious workshop, frequented by the major Venetian etchers of the period, including Piranesi. His knowledge expanded to the burin technique and he increasingly specialized in etching. In 1756 he moved to Rome and after four years returned to Venice where he resumed collaborating with Wagner, who had previously commissioned some operas from him. His fame spread around Europe and in 1764 the bookseller to the King of England, George III, called him to London to join the Society of Artist. During his stay in England he created the important illustrations to Milton's work, Paradise Lost, and worked on reproductions of paintings, as well as illustrations of Shakespeare's works. From 1802 to 1815 he worked as a teacher at the Academy of Lisbon.