Francesco Bartolozzi is Born

Today in Masonic History Francesco Bartolozzi is born in 1727.

Francesco Bartolozzi was an Italian engraver.

Bartolozzi was born in Florence, Italy on September 21st, 1727. He initially was going to follow in his father's footsteps and become a gold and silver smith. Because of the natural skill that he displayed he was instead apprenticed to Florentine artists. For three years he studied painting before going to Venice to study engraving.

While still working for Joseph Wagner, Bartolozzi created plates in the style of famous painters of the period. This drew a lot of attention to Bartolozzi. Before long he moved to Rome where he completed a series of plates depicting the life of St. Nilius.

By 1764, Bartolozzi had moved to London. There he lived for almost 40 years. Shortly after arriving in London he was appointed as the Engraver to the King with an annual salary of £300. He was also be elected as founding member of the Royal Academy of Arts in 1768. In 1802 he became the founding president of the Society of Engravers, an organization which promoted British printmaking. The organization was short-lived.

In 1802, Bartolozzi accepted the position of director of the National Academy of Lisbon. He passed away in Lisbon on March 7th, 1815.

Bartolozzi was a member of the Lodge of Nine Muses No. 235, London, England.

This article provided by Brother Eric C. Steele.