PIETRO, an eminent painter, was born at Florence in 1646, and received his first instructions in the art of painting from Valero Spada, who excelled in small drawings with a pen. Whilst he was under the care of that artist, he gave such evident proofs of a ready genius, that he was then placed as a disciple with his uncle Vincenzo Dandini, a master of great reputation through all Italy, who had been bred up under Pietro da Cortona. He afterwards travelled through most of the cities of Italy, studying the works of those who were most distinguished; and resided for a long time at Venice, where he copied the paintings paintings of Titian, Tintoretto, and Paolo Veronese. He next visited Parma and Modena, to design the works of Corregio; omitting no opportunity that might contribute to improve his hand or his judgment. When he returned to Florence, the grand duke Cosmo III. the grand duchess Victoria, and the prince Ferdinand, kept him perpetually employed, in fresco painting as well as in oil; his subjects being taken not only from sacred or fabulous history, but from his own invention and fancy, which frequently furnished him with such as were odd and singular, and especially with whimsical caricatures. He died in 1712.—This master had a most extraordinary talent for imitating the style of even the most celebrated ancient painters of every school, particularly Titian, Veronese, and Tintoretto; and with a force and elegance, equal to his subjects of history, he painted portraits, landscapes, architecture, flowers, fruit, battles, animals of all kinds, and likewise sea pieces; proving himself an universal artist, and excellent in every thing he undertook.

He had a son, Octavio, who proved not inferior to him in any branch of his profession, and was an honour to his family and his country.

Dandini, Cesare, history painter, was born at Florence; and was the elder brother and first instructor of Vincenzo Dandini, the uncle of Pietro. This master had successively studied as a disciple with Cavalier Curradi, Passignano, and Cristofano Allori; from whom he acquired a very pleasing manner of designing and colouring. He was extremely correct in his drawing, and finished his pictures highly. Several noble altarpieces in the churches of Florence are the productions of his pencil; and one, which is in the chapel l'Annunciata, is particularly admired.

Dandola, Henry, doge of Venice, a brave admiral and politician. With a Venetian fleet he took Constantinople in 1203, and had the moderation to refuse to be emperor. He died in 1250.