Lelio Orsi is recorded as a painter in Reggio in northern Italy in 1536 and 1544. In 1553-4 he visited Venice and Rome, and after 1559 he was in Novellara. There are no contemporary records of his paintings, and no signed works, except one drawing. A group of small religious paintings, all by the same hand, are attributed to him. They show the influence of Michelangelo and Correggio.
The inscription on his grave at Novellara (written by his son) says that he was great in architecture and painting, but greatest as a draughtsman. Some of the drawings attributed to him bear this out.
Lelio Orsi
about 1511 - 1587
Paintings by Lelio Orsi
The Gospel of Luke tells how after the Crucifixion, Cleopas and another of Christ’s disciples set out from Jerusalem for the village of Emmaus. They were joined by a stranger who recounted the prophecies concerning the Messiah’s death and resurrection. It was not until the three ate together late...
Not on display