Ilario Giacinto Mercanti, known as "lo Spolverini" (Parma, Italy, 1657 – 1734)

Born in Parma in 1657, Ilario Giacinto Mercanti began his training in the workshop of Francesco Monti, known as the Brescianino delle Battaglie. It is likely that he also received early instruction from his father, Pietro Mercanti, who was active in Parma around 1660.

During his career, he traveled to Florence to study the works of Courtois and may have collaborated with Pietro Reschi.

In 1692, Mercanti was granted a letter of familiarity by Duke Ranuccio II Farnese and was appointed court painter. This recognition marked the beginning of a successful career at the Farnese court, where he produced numerous works for the duke and other nobles.

Between 1690 and 1695, Mercanti may have traveled to Venice with Francesco Monti to illustrate the campaigns of Doge Francesco Morosini against the Turks. Although there is no documentary evidence of this trip, Venetian influences are evident in his painting style, characterized by a greater emphasis on color values and the use of macchiette as a distinctive feature.

The artist died in Parma in 1734.

Photo UniCredit Group (Sebastiano Pellion di Persano)