Francesco Beda Wall Decorations

Francesco Beda was an Italian genre painter born in Trieste on 29th November 1840. His son Giulio (1879–1942) was also a talented artist. Beda’s proximity to the Austro-Hungarian Empire led him to study art in Vienna under Karl von Blaas (1815–94) who initially influenced his subject matter towards portraits and historical subjects. After completing his studies, he worked in Trieste but also traveled across Austria, Hungary and Croatia painting commissions for wealthy patrons such as Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the Prince of Rolian, and Bishop Strossmayer of Zagreb. By 1876, the taste for historical scenes that harked back to a golden era had emerged across Europe and Beda began to produce meticulously painted works of ladies and gentlemen in fine costumes set against opulent surroundings. He died in Trieste on 21st June 1900. Examples of Beda’s works can be found in the Trieste Museum.