Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Albani, Francesco

ALBANI, FRANCESCO, a famous Italian painter, born at Bologna, 1578; was a scholar of Guido. He was fond of representing the fair sex, and his compositions, in love subjects, are held in high esteem. The most celebrated of the productions are: “The Sleeping Venus,” “Diana in the Bath,” “Danaë Reclining,” “Galathea on the Sea," and “Europa on the Bull.” He has been called the Anacreon of painters. It is said that his second wife, who was very beautiful, and his children, served as models for his Venuses and Cupids. Died in 1660. His brother and disciple, Giovanni Battista, was a distinguished historical and landscape painter. Died in 1668.