Giovanni Battista Moroni (ca. 1523-1579) is known among cognoscenti of Renaissance painting, but is relatively little-known compared to such masters as Titian and Raphael. He was born to a master mason in Albino, outside of Bergamo, which was then part of the Venetian Republic. He entered Moretto Da Brescia's (Allesandro Bonvicino) studio, and continued making religious altarpieces based on his master's models.

He worked in Trento during the early years of the Council of Trent, and returned to Bergamo, then his native town of Albino, where he painted superb, and uncannily modern-looking portraits of the people in his community: the nobility, ecclesiasts, officials, intellectuals and merchants, including the earliest portrait of a skilled tradesman, Moroni's famous Portrait of a Tailor in London's National Gallery.

Despite his limited renown, his work can be found in most of the major art museums of the world, including about 22 works in American museums (the Metropolitan Museum owns 3). His reputation has recently soared, due to an historic exhibition at London's Royal Academy in 2015. Plans are now afoot for the first NYC solo show of his work at the Frick Collection in 2019.

Mr. Bunkin's talk will be profusely illustrated with works primarily in American Museums. He will also address Moroni's influence on later artists, such as Van Dyck, Velazquez, Kauffman, Reynolds, Whistler, and Cassatt.

Q&A will follow with light fare and refreshments. Program Donation: $20 per person (cash, check or credit cards accepted). Refreshments will be served. A light reception will follow.

Kindly RSVP in advance so that we can plan accordingly. Call 718-273-7660 or E-Mail [email protected] The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere - 79 Howard Avenue - Staten Island, NY 10301

Please Park in the lots located directly across the street at Notre Dame Academy.