Mola was born in Coldrerio, near Lugano. Apart from two periods in his youth, Mola spent most of his life in Rome, where his father was architect to the Papal Treasury. Although his movements are not well documented, he lived in northern Italy in 1633–40 and 1641–47 and seems to have travelled widely, visiting Venice, Lucca and Bologna. Mola was a prolific draughtsman, drawing for pleasure as well as in preparation for paintings, and he was also a witty caricaturist.
Pier Francesco Mola
1612 - 1666
Paintings by Pier Francesco Mola
Saint John the Baptist sits on a rock in a wooded landscape. He is preaching to a group of people in Oriental dress: according to the Gospel of Luke (3: 1–17), John spent some years living as a hermit in the wilderness, preaching repentance and baptising people in the river Jordan. His followers...
Not on display
The holy family are resting from their travels in this small pastoral scene. The Virgin Mary sits on a rock, absorbed in nursing the Christ Child; a bundle and pitcher lie on the ground beside her. Saint Joseph leans on the rocky ground beyond, looking up at a small cloud above the Virgin’s head,...
Style of Pier Francesco Mola
The story of Leda and the Swan is a Greek myth which exists in various versions. Leda, the wife of the king of Sparta, was loved by the god Jupiter (Zeus in Greek) who transformed himself into a swan and seduced her. As a consequence she gave birth to the twins Castor and Pollux, who were hatched...
Not on display