Antonio Ciseri (1821 – 1891) was a significant 19th-century Italian artist who rejuvenated religious painting. Trained at Florence’s Academy of Fine Arts, Ciseri was strongly influenced by Italian Renaissance artists, particularly Raphael. With photographic clarity and restrained drama, he meticulously painted precisely detailed furnishings, period clothing and architecture in his religious works. Ciseri often employed the device of a central figure who looked out of the piece, directly connecting with the viewer. Ciseri was also an accomplished portrait artist, and received many important commissions from churches in Italy and Switzerland.