By Anne Leader
Architect Luigi Vanvitelli was born on 12 May 1700 in Naples. Often noted as one of the primary figures responsible for the transition from Baroque to Neoclassical architectural style, Vanvitelli designed furnishings, chapels, churches, and palaces.
He was a finalist in several important Roman competitions and was employed on numerous restoration projects in Rome. Vanvitelli died on 1 March 1773 at Caserta, where he had been working on one of his best known projects, the Palazzo Reale for Charles VII, King of Naples, later Charles III of Spain. Known as the Versailles of Italy, Vanvitelli’s palace at Caserta received a 22-million euro grant for much-needed repairs in 2013.
Reference: Jörg Garms. “Vanvitelli, Luigi.” Grove Art Online. Oxford Art Online. Oxford University Press.
Royal Palace of Caserta – exterior; portraits of Vanvitelli, throne room, staircase