CANPI, a family of artists, who founded at Cremona, in the middle and near the close of the 16th c., an eclectic school of painting, parallel with that founded by the family Caracci (q.v.). Giulio C. (1500-72) was the head of the school. He studied painting, sculpture, and architecture under Giulio Romano. He also imitated the works of Titian (at least in coloring) and Pordenone with such success that his pictures have sometimes been ascribed to both of these artists. His female heads, like those of his brothers, are remarkably beautiful.—Antonio C. studied, under his brother, both paint inc.- and architecture. His knowledge of the latter was very serviceable in several of his paintings; for example, that of the sacristy of St. Peter. was also a plastic artist, an engraver, and the historian of his native place.—Vincenzo C. (b. before 1532, d. 1591) seems to have followed the guidance of Antonio' rather than that of Giulio, and excelled more in small figures than in large pictures. His paintings of fruits are highly
valued.—Bernardino C. (b. 1522, d. about 1590), a kinsman of the three brothers C., was the most famous of the whole. Lanzi terms him " the Annibale Caracci " of the school. He studied first under Giulio C., hut soon excelled his master. Afterwards, he chose Giulio Romano, Titian, and Correggio as models, but chiefly followed Raphael, yet without servile imitation. Many of his works are found in Milan and Cremona. In the latter place, the cupola of the choir in the church San-Gismondo is Bernardino's master-piece. He was distinguished as a portrait-painter and engraver. The lady painter, Sophonisba Anguissola, was a distinguished pupil of Bernardino.