Works by Bolognese painter Francesco Albani (1578-1660), who had much influence over many French 17th Century painters, are being exhibited in the Louvre Museum until January 8th 2001. King Louis XIV, who was probably seduced by Albani's softeness, acquired some 30 paintings from this painter during his reign. Albani studied painting under Annibal Carracci and imposed himself as a talented decorator after creating idyllic scenes based on Greek or Roman mythology. He was one of the first artists to paint outdoors and to have a direct contact with nature.
Home
