(Ferdinand Galli), an excellent painter and architect, was born at Bologna in 1657; and was named Bibiena from a territory of that name in Tuscany, in which his father was born. He acquired such reputation by his skill in architecture, the decorations of the theatre, and perspective, that the duke of Parma invited him to his court, and made him his first painter and architect. Bibiena at length went to the emperor's court, where he had the same honours and advantages. He wrote two books of architecture; and died at Bologna, at above 80 years of age. His sons followed with success the same professions.