| Antonio Liozzi | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1730 Penna San Giovanni, Italy |
| Died | 1807 (aged 76–77) |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Influenced by | Marco Benefial |
Antonio Liozzi[1] (1730–1807) was born to a middle class family in Penna San Giovanni in the province of Macerata. He was an 18th century Italian artist and his works, mostly of religious subjects, are preserved in cathedrals throughout the diocese of Fermo and the commune offices in Penna San Giovanni.[2] Travel sites for the towns in and around Penna San Giovanni feature Liozzi's work as an attraction for tourists.[3][4][5]
Liozzi trained under the tutelage of Marco Benefial (1684–1764) in the capital city of Rome at Benefial's private studio.[6]
Liozzi's work may be seen at the Cathedral S. Maria, in Ortezzano and at the 14th century Cathedral of San Savino in Gualdo as well. In Penna San Giovanni, the Cathedral di Sant Pietro, the Commune building and the Flora Theater are all canvased with his work.[7]
The Flora Theater in the historic center of Penna San Giovanni was built entirely of wood and is an important example of Baroque art and architecture. The work of Antonio Liozzi decorates the wooden facade with floral motifs and was the site of an international conference on frescoes featuring his work.[8] A series of wooden hexagon columns painted in a faux marble pattern, support the steel reinforced core while two rows of wooden balustrades decorate the frames and are topped with floral garlands. The center of the ceiling illuminates a intricate pattern of cornices and moldings. Liozzi's signature fresco adorns the wooden ceiling, opening to a blue sky in which stands the goddess Flora. For years the theater was abandoned and almost lost to modernization. In 1985 it was designated as a historic national treasure and renovated to its original luster.[9]