Jans Frans van Bloemen (1662-1749)
Jan Frans van Bloemen (1662-1749) was a Flemish landscape painter mainly active in Rome. Here he was able to establish himself as the leading painter of views of the Roman countryside depicted in the aesthetic of the classical landscape tradition. After moving to Rome in 1684, the Flemish Jan Frans van Bloemen belonged to the circle known as the Bentvueghels, which brought together the Nordic artists residing in the Eternal City. His comrades gave him the surname Orizzonte because of his skill in creating misty atmospheric perspectives. His compositions, which mirrored the naturalism of Gaspard Dughet (1615-1675), soon became highly appreciated by a distinguished Roman clientele, including the Ruspoli family.