Violante Vanni

Violante Vanni was an artist active primarily as a printmaker during the mid-eighteenth century, documenting a period of activity approximately between 1750 and 1774. Vanni’s work is represented in major international institutions, affirming the historical significance of the artist’s contribution to 18th-century graphical arts.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds a significant selection of Vanni’s output. Twelve of the artist’s prints are currently represented in museum collections, confirming Vanni’s focus on the reproductive or devotional print medium. These museum-quality works offer insight into the popular religious and mythological subjects of the period.

The documented prints by Violante Vanni center on both religious and allegorical themes. Significant pieces include the religious subject Mary Magdalen, alongside allegorical iconography such as Allegorical figure with a skull, Amorino holding a pole, and Amorino with a laurel wreath. Further examples, such as Angels and cherubim, showcase Vanni's detailed approach to devotional imagery. Owing to their age, many of these historical images are now available as downloadable artwork, having entered the public domain.