Fedele Fischetti

Fedele Gioffredo Fischetti (30 March 1732, Naples – 25 January 1792, Naples) was an Italian painter of the Neoclassical period. Most of his works are frescoes of an allegorical or mythological nature.

Life and work
His work shows the influence of Pompeo Batoni, which indicates that he may have studied in Rome. He began his career decorating objects such as caskets and carriages. Once he had established his reputation, he was called on to create decorative works for churches and palaces. His first such works date from 1760. His first major work was a canvas depicting the Holy Family, for the church of Chiesa di Santa Teresa (Benevento) in Benevento (1763).

One of his largest projects involved the Royal Palace of Caserta (1768), where he painted the Summer Room, the Hall of Winter, and the private bathroom of Queen Maria Carolina; all with figures from Roman mythology.

He also decorated several areas in the church of Santa Caterina da Siena (1765-67), including the vault (Saint Catherine), the lunettes on the altars (the cardinal and theological virtues), and the third chapel (the Virgin with Saint Catherine). His fresco in the dining room at the Palazzo del Belvedere in San Leucio is mentioned in the Italian Journey by Goethe. Another famous fresco, in the vault of the Palazzo Doria d'Angri, depicts the triumph of Admiral Lamba Doria against the Venetians in 1298. Other notable works:
 * Virgin, St Anne, with Saints Carlo and Geronimo in the Chapel of the Assumption in the church of Basilica dello Spirito Santo
 * Virgin of the Rosary with Santa Rosa for the Chapel of the Prince of Roccella in the church of San Domenico Maggiore
 * Ceilings for the Palazzo Francavilla (now known as the Palazzo Cellammare), painted alongside Pietro Bardellino and Giacinto Diano

His pupils included Paolo Girgenti and Giuseppe Camerata, as well as two of his own sons, Alessandro Fischetti and Odoardo.