Ricci, Sebastiano (1659-1734)

Venetian painter. Working in the style of Veronese, he became one of the leading decorative painters of his day, working throughout Italy as well as in Vienna and London 1712-16. His Resurrection is in the chapel of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London.

Ricci's revival of the Venetian tradition of history painting was so successful that many of his paintings were indistinguishable from those of Veronese. His later works were influenced by the rococo, his lighter palette paving the way for Tiepolo.

He was accompanied in England by his nephew and pupil Marco Ricci (1676-1730) who is noted for landscapes and capricci.