CIGNA'NI, CARLO, was born at Bologna, May 35, 1628. His father was a notary, but claimed his descent from an old Ghibelline family of Florence, who had been driven from their native city by the Carlo, who showed an early teats for painting, was put under Giambatista Cairo for instruction. He soon surpassed his mas ter, and was removed to the care of Albaui, under whom he rapidly rose in reputation and success. Ile subsequently enlarged his style of painting by a careful study of the works of Correggio and Aunibal Caracci, from whom he learned the art of giving size and space to his pictures, by menus of a powerful and skilful use of chiaroscuro. Cignani had a singular degree of prosperity ; commissions crowded upon him, he enjoyed the friendship and correspondence of many of the reigning princes of his time, and acquired great wealth. He was also made a count by Rauuzio II., his native sovereign.
Being invited to paint the Duomo of Forli, he removed thither with his family, and resided there for the remainder of his life. While
Forli was occupied by some German troops during the war between the pope and the emperor, Cignani presented a picture to the com mander of the forces, who in return, besides a handsome gift in money, issued an extraordinary order to his troops to refrain in every way from molesting the good people of the city. The citizens testified their gratitude to Cignani by enrolling him among their nobility. In 1708, when the Clementine Academy was instituted, Cignani was elected president. He died September 6, 1719, leaving two sons, one of whom, Felice, was a painter.
Cignani painted an infinite variety of subjects—sacred, classical, and even comic. His colouring is pleasing and brilliant, and his finish most elaborate. His chief work is the Duomo at Forli, an immense compo sition, ingeniously disposed, which represents the Assumption of the Virgin.'