Giovanni Grevenbroeck, called Solfarolo

Giovanni Grevenbroeck, known as 'Il Solfarolo,' was a Flemish-born painter active in Italy during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, primarily celebrated for his dramatic nocturnal scenes illuminated by artificial light sources such as fire, torches, and sulfur flames. He was particularly renowned for his depictions of alchemists, blacksmiths, and laborers working by candlelight or firelight, demonstrating a mastery of chiaroscuro reminiscent of the Utrecht Caravaggisti. His works were highly sought after by Italian and European collectors and continue to appear regularly at major auction houses.