Francesco Giuseppe Casanova

Francesco Giuseppe Casanova (1 June 1727, London – 8 July 1803, near Mödling) was an Italian painter who specialised in battle scenes.

He was born in London, where his parents, Zanetta Farussi, an actress, and Gaetano Casanova, an actor and dancer, had a theatrical engagement.

[1] It was rumoured that his father was actually the Prince of Wales (who shortly after became King George II); whether for scurrilous motives or publicity is unclear.

Two years later, he produced his four famous "disaster paintings", which were purchased by Jean-Benjamin de la Borde on behalf of King Louis XV.

He took refuge in Vienna, under the protection of Prince Charles Joseph de Ligne, who introduced him to Chancellor Kaunitz.

Cavalry Battle , currently in the Louvre
The Storm , one of four "disaster paintings"
Cattle on pasture , Palace on the Water in Warsaw .
Francesco Casanova, The Ass and the Flag . Etching, 12.5 x 16.7 cm.