Francesco Malagoli (Modena, (?) - 1776, documented)
The two paintings facing each other are the only known works
by Malagoli, a still life painter who was active in Modena, Bologna and
Mantua during the second half of the 18th century.
Prior to restoration, it was possible to read the words
‘Franceso Malagoli, Modenese painter who settled in
Mantua’ on the back of the paintings. What little is known
about Malagoli comes from the brief biographical notes written by the
Bolognese art historian Marcello Oretti (18th century).
From Oretti we learn that Malagoli worked first as an embroiderer and
then as a self-taught painter who became distinguished for his
paintings of flowers, fruit, birds and grapes that looked
real enough to fool anyone.
