Antonio Balestra learned the art of painting with Antonio Bellucci, applying himself to imitate the works of the master and of the main artists of the 16th century in the lagoon (Pascoli 1736-44). In 1690 Balestra decided to make the study trip to Rome, where he was placed to study in the school of the famous Carlo Maratti together with Benedetto Luti and Tommaso Redi, 'all three of whom went on to draw and study from Rafaele, Caraci and from Ancient statues. After a short stay in Naples, in 1694 he received the first prize in the competition of the Accademia di San Luca '(handwritten letter sent by Balestra to Pellegrino Orlandi, in Polazzo, 1978). This experience directed the painter's style towards a measured classicism, which was later...