Andrey
Frantsevich Belloli

A native of Rome; arrived in Saint Petersburg in the late 50-ies of the 19th century. Academician of portrait painting from 1861, Honorary free member of the Academy of arts from 1863 (Kondakov)

The life and works of a native of Rome and graduate of the Academy of St. Luke Andrei Frantsevich Belloli were held in Russia, where he arrived in late 1850-ies. In St. Petersburg, the artist is fast becoming known for his decorative works and paintings of the ceilings of palaces and churches. Gradually the interests of A. Belloli shifted to portraiture. Among other works executed in oil, a great success enjoyed by women's and children's portraits made with colored pencils. A. Belloli actively involved in the artistic life of the Northern Russian capital: he is a permanent participant of academic exhibitions, and in 1869 satisfied at the Academy of arts exhibition of his works in favor of the poor students, the widows and orphans of artists. His artistic mastery and active civic position receive official recognition: in 1861 he was awarded the title of academician of portraiture in 1870 awarded the order of St. Stanislaus 2 nd degree for his years of artistic activity for the benefit of Russian art. In the same year A. F. Belloli creates and donates Academic Museum, perhaps the best and certainly his most popular work — the Bather after the bath.