Every precious thread - a selection of carpet paintings by Francesco Noletti

 

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Francesco Noletti (1611, Valletta? - 4 December 1654, Rome), Italian still-life painter, often referred to by his nickname, Il Maltese. His works were much sought after during his lifetime, but he was soon forgotten after his death, and the artist´s true identity was subsequently lost. Long confused with an artist named Benedetto Fioravanti, who painted similar still-lifes, his works were also often attributed to an otherwise unknown painter named Francesco Fieravino. Until recently he was frequently referred to as Francesco Maltese because of his place of origin. It was only in the twentieth century that his identity had been firmly established. It's now known that, as of 1642, he had settled permanently in Rome, first on the Via Margutta, and then on the Via Laurina, where he collaborated with Andrea Sacchi, while he also received international commissions. His works were quite sought after and a still life with a carpet was in the celebrated collection of Archduke Leopold Wilhelm of Austria, Governor of the Spanish Netherlands. He married in Rome, and when he died, the death certificate describes him as a "famous painter."