RUSCHI, Francesco - b. ~1610 Roma, d. 1661 Treviso

Italian painter. He studied in Rome under Giuseppe Cesari (Cavalier d’Arpino), Francesco Albani and Pietro da Cortona. His work also shows the influence of Caravaggio. He settled in Venice before 1629. He became a friend of the writer Giovan Francesco Loredan (1607-1661), for whom he drew the cover pages of several works. He moved to Treviso from 1656, and died there in 1661.

Ruschi was influenced by the paintings of Paolo Veronese in his academic and decorative interpretations. These include Madonna and Saints (1641, San Pietro di Castello, Venice), Madonna and Saints (c. 1656, San Clemente, Venice) and Repudiation of Hagar (Civic Museum, Treviso).

Abduction of Helen

Although Frencesco Ruschi was known for his somber works on canvas, he lightened his palette on the walls of the guest rooms in the Villa Contarini Venier, Mira, assisted by the young Antonio Zanchi.

The scene depicting the Abduction of Helen is located in the guest quarters of the Villa Contarini Venier.