(c1604 - 1670)
Viviano Codazzi was born in Bergamo, northern Italy, in the first decade of the 17th century. He travelled south to Naples, where he is first recorded in 1634, although he had probably arrived in the 1620s. He painted views of Rome, even before leaving Naples for the capital, in 1647, working from topographical prints and architectural treatises. Although the genre of architectural painting was not considered among the highest forms of art in 17th century Italy (and indeed the Bamboccianti were actively looked down upon by many), Codazzi’s paintings were popular among private collectors in Rome. His influence can be seen in the work of 18th-century artists such as Gian Paolo Panini (c.1692-1765).
