|
Bonazza.
Italian family of sculptors. Active in Padua in the first half of the 18th century, the family was founded by (1) Giovanni Bonazza, a prolific artist who ran a busy workshop and was an important master for his sons. His eldest son, Tommaso Bonazza (c. 1696–1775), often collaborated with his father and with his brother, (2) Antonio Bonazza, his art remaining close to that of Giovanni. Among Tommaso’s independent works are marble figures of Elijah and Elisha on the altar of S Teresa in the church of S Maria del Carmine, Padua, and the Four Evangelists and other saints (1741) for the parish church at Fratta Polesine. Francesco Bonazza (d Venice, 1770), who was probably born in Venice, worked as a sculptor and as a painter, mosaicist and engraver of cameos. He appears to have been the least involved in his father’s workshop, although his style remains close to that of Giovanni and of his brothers. His most important works are the marble statues of the Cardinal Virtues on the upper part of the façade of S Margherita in Padua and the horses in pietra tenera (Trieste, Villa Sartorio Montebello) for the Villa Gradenigo, Terraglio, which reveal his interest in movement. (2) Antonio Bonazza was the most brilliant of Giovanni’s sons and one of the most original 18th-century Venetian sculptors. The only documented activity of his brother Michelangelo Bonazza (1704–68) is his collaboration with Tommaso on statues on the portal of S Maria del Carmine, Padua. The Bonazza family had numerous pupils, who created a school at Padua that remained active until the end of the 18th century and influenced the young Antonio Canova. The following members have entries:
|
