Sebastiano, called Caravietto, an historical and portrait painter of the Neapolitan school, born at Gaeta in 1679. The churches and chapels in almost every part of Italy are enriched with his compositions, of which the number is almost incredible: for he lived to a very advanced age, and continued his labours to the last. He was earnestly invited by Philip V. of Spain to visit his court, but could not be prevailed on to leave Rome. He was at last so strongly urged to visit Naples that he undertook the journey, and was received with all the respect and honour due to his merit. He there completed some very noble designs, as also at Gaeta, his native city. While at Naples he received from the king a snuff-box of great value; and in 1757 the same monarch conferred on him and his descendants a patent of nobility. At that time he was seventy-eight years of age; and it is probable that he died in the following year. He understood perspective and architecture thoroughly, and possessed a perfect knowledge of chiaroscuro. His style of composition is grand and elegant; his design correct; his attitudes and expression are full of truth, nature, and variety; and his colouring is excellent.