SCHIAMINOSSI Raffaello

(Borgo S. Sepolcro ca. 1570 – 1622)

Italian painter and engraver known by different variations of the surname as Sciaminossi or Schiaminosi. He was a pupil of Raffaello del Colle (painter and Raffaello’s assistant better known as the ‘Raffaellino’).
In the pictorial context, his altarpiece in the Cathedral of S. Sepolcro is mentioned by various historical and artistic sources. Best known as an engraver of both invention and reproduction, he made about 130 engravings, many of which derived from subjects by Raphael, Federico Barocci, Ventura Salimbeni and Luca Cambiaso.
Some of his graphic works also include some Nordic elements inspired by Lucas Van Leyden, confirming artistic exchanges between Italy and the Netherlands.
He usually engraved with a large trait, somewhat heavy sign with sharp contrasts between light and shadow.
His graphic work includes religious subjects such as the ‘Mysteries of the Rosary’, ‘The life of Saint Francis’ and ‘Prophets’ and profane subjects such as the series of ‘Caesars’ of ‘Virtues’ and ‘Sibyls’, all published in Rome between 1606 and 1614.