Simone Papa the Elder

Who was Simone Papa the Elder?

Simone Papa the Elder was an Italian painter of the Renaissance period, active in Naples.

He is said to have been a scholar of Antonio Solario. Of all the Neapolitan painters he is said to be the one adhering closest to the style of Jan van Eyck. He painted the Archangel Michael and Saints found at the Capodimonte Museum. His son, 'Simone Papa the younger was a Mannerist painter who frescoed in the church at Monte Oliveto in Naples. Other works attributed to Simone include an Annunciation for the church of San Niccolo alla Dogana, a Virgin and savior with saints for the church of San Lorenzo, and a St Michael defeating rebel angels for the church of Santa Maria Nuova.

His son, Simone Pope the younger became a pupil of Giovanni Antonio d’Amato and painted in the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore.