Francesco Zuccarelli was born in Pitigliano in 1702 and studied painting in Florence with Paolo Anesi and then with Giovanni Marco Morandi and Pietro Nelli in Rome. He was first a painter of historical scenes and then turned to painting decorative landscapes inspired by Claude Lorrain.
Zuccarelli developed a much popular style and stayed in Venice for a while where he was influenced by the works of Marco Ricci. He then went to England after visiting Germany, France and Holland.
He remained in London during five years, went back to Venice and returned to England.
Zuccarelli exhibited his paintings in London from 1765, became a member of the Society of Artists and one of the founders of the Royal Academy in 1768.
Enjoying the protection of many influential members of the British society, much admired by the public, he became quite rich and returned in 1773 to Italy.
Zuccarelli invested most of his fortune in a monastery in Florence but this religious establishment was closed a few years later and he was forced to resume work in order to earn a living at over 75.
Zuccarelli once again exhibited his works in London and most of his paintings are now in England.
He notably pursued the tradition of Watteau with elegant scenes and mythological landscapes and was at a time inspired by Belloto during his stay in Venice. Zuccarelli died in Florence on December 30th 1788.
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