Paolo Emilio Besenzi


Paolo Emilio Besenzi was an Italian painter, sculptor, and architect of the 17th century, born and active in Reggio Emilia. He lived and worked as a painter, sculptor and architect in Reggio Emilia in the first half of the 17th century. According to Tiraboschi he was sent to France for a short time, at the court of Louis XIII, who would have named him a knight. He trained with Francesco Albani, and was a friend and companion of Lionello Spada. He was buried in the now demolished church of Santa Maria Maddalena, for which he designed the main altar.

Works

Among the works by the artist were:
In the Church of San Pietro, beyond the canvas of St Placido, are several sculptural works:
He made also twelve apostles and four evangelists for the Confraternity of San Domenico; the twelve apostles are lost. It is said that Besenzi helped design the reconstruction of the Church of Sant'Agostino.