The Life and Travels of Luigi Primo
Born in Ninove, Belgium, the artist known as Luigi Primo—also referred to by names such as Louis Cousin and Luigi Gentile—was a Flemish painter of the Baroque period. After being apprenticed to Gillis Claeissins the younger in Brussels, he traveled to Rome, where he remained for thirty years. During his time in Rome, he joined the Bentvueghels, an association of Dutch and Flemish painters, where he earned the nickname Gentile due to his gentle manners. He also used the surname Primo, an Italian translation of his surname.
His career saw him move through various Italian locations, including Loreto and Pesaro, before he traveled to Venice to paint portraits. He eventually returned to Rome and later moved back to Brussels, where he became a member of the local Guild of Saint Luke. His professional life included serving as the director of the Accademia di San Luca from 1651 to 1652.
Artistic Contributions and Subjects
The work of Luigi Primo encompasses a variety of genres, including mythological subjects, religious works, and portraits. His style is characterized as being situated between the Italian and Flemish traditions, embodying the decorative style of the High Baroque. His notable commissions included:
He was also known for his portraiture, which included a portrait of Pope Alexander VII following his election. Additionally, he collaborated on a series of copper panels depicting the deeds of the Sicilian noble brothers, Guillermo Ramón Moncada and Antonio Moncada.
