Nicola Monachesi (c. 1795-1851)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Born and trained in Italy, this artist executed some of the first fresco paintings in America, beginning in the 1830s. His commissions decorated many grand homes, Catholic churches, and public buildings such as the Merchants' Exchange Building on South 3rd St. The ceiling frescoes at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church are a rare surviving example of his work. Monachesi became a US citizen and lived in Philadelphia until his death.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Trained in Italy and drawn to the growing American republic, Nicola Monachesi brought the old-world art of fresco painting to Philadelphia in the 1830s, among the first to practice it on this side of the Atlantic. His brushwork adorned grand homes, Catholic churches, and civic landmarks such as the Merchants' Exchange, blending European craft with a young nation's aspirations. The rare surviving ceiling frescoes at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church still testify to his skill.
Why it matters
Monachesi's work reflects how immigrant artisans imported Europe's high artistic traditions to help a new nation clothe its churches and public buildings in beauty.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- National Constitution Center0.2 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House0.2 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Illadelph Glass Gallery0.3 mi away · 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Muse Gallery0.3 mi away · 52 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.3 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Larry Becker Contemporary Art0.3 mi away · 43 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tour0.2 mi away
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.2 mi away
- Elfreth's Alley0.3 mi away
- President's House0.4 mi away
- Liberty Bell0.5 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United States0.5 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafe0.3 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Bubble Tea Room0.4 mi away · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- 3J's Cafe0.4 mi away · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- PrimoHoagies0.4 mi away · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fork0.4 mi away · 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Menagerie Coffee0.4 mi away · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District0.2 mi away · 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia E - Penns Landing0.4 mi away · 100 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
- The Philadelphia House0.4 mi away · 17 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Penn's View Hotel0.4 mi away · 14 North Front Street, Philadelphia
- Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel0.5 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels0.5 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Nicola Monachesi
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church
Philadelphia, PA · est. 1995
Established in 1796, this was the first American home of the Augustinian Order, a Catholic religious community putting down roots in the young republic. In 1844 the original church was burned by anti-Catholic, anti-immigrant mobs during Philadelphia's Nativist riots, part of a wave of violence against the city's growing Irish Catholic population. The bloodshed pushed Pennsylvania to require organized municipal police forces in 1845 and to consolidate the city and county in 1854.
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