Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi (1606–1680)

• Was an Italian painter, draughtsman, printmaker and architect.
• Grimaldi was born in Bologna, and trained in the circle of the Carracci family.
• He went to Rome, and was appointed architect to Pope Paul V and also patronized by succeeding popes.
• Towards 1648 he was invited to France by Cardinal Mazarin, and for about two years was employed for that minister and for Louis XIV, and in fresco-painting in the Louvre.
• He painted history, portraits and landscapes, and executed engravings and etchings.

• Returning to Rome, he was made principe (director) of the Accademia di San Luca.

• He died in Rome.

• His son Alessandro assisted him both in painting and in engraving.

• His mistress was Elena Aloisi, daughter of the painter Baldassare Aloisi.

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