Antonio Moscheni

Antonio Moscheni (Stezzano, 16 January 1854 – Kochi, 15 November 1905) was a Jesuit brother and painter, known best for his elaborate fresco decoration of the church of St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, India.

In 1898, Moscheni was assigned to India, and sent to Mangalore with the specific mission of painting the Chapel of St. Aloysius College, recently founded by the Italian Jesuits.

Besides the chapel he painted also frescoes in the Jesuit refectory: scenes evocative of Ignatius of Loyola's early years and the foundation of the Society of Jesus.

The original intention of his religious superiors was to call Moscheni back to Europe after completing the St Aloysius College work, but his fame had spread in India and requests came that could not be ignored.

Moscheni had hardly completed the work in the sanctuary of the Cochin cathedral when he fell sick: a case of acute dysentery that ultimately proved fatal.