Sebastiano Ricci was one of the pioneers of Venetian Settecento painting. He was born in Belluno and died in Venice. He was educated all over Italy and was particularly influenced by Veronese and Luca Giordano's Venetian works. He came to England in 1711/12 with his nephew Marco Ricci and remained until 1716, hoping to be employed in the major decorative works which were eventually given to James Thornhill. His major works in London were paintings and ceilings for Burlington House (which still survive) and the dome of the apse in Chelsea Hospital Chapel.
