Under the Roman School, it has been observed that Polidoro Caldara di Caravaggio, a pupil of Raphael, went to Naples, in 1527, when Rome was sacked and pillaged by the troops of Constable Bourgon. One of his pupils there was Giovanni Bernardo Lama, who was born about 1508, and died about 1579. Of the life of this master little is known, but his works are rare and held in high estimation. "He painted the Virgin weeping over the dead body of her Son" says Lanzi, "with so much correctness and force of design, variety of attitudes, and taste of composition, that by many it was ascribed to his master. His style however was softer than that of Polidoro." 32. The Virgin and St. John Mourning over the Dead Body of Christ. (On pannel--length 3 feet 3 inches, breadth 2 feet 5 inches.) [P. 23; exhibited under heading: "Neapolitan School."]
Catalogue of the Pictures which formed the collection of Joseph Capece Latro, ancient Archbishop of Taranto, &c. in the Kingdom of Naples now exhibited in the City Dispensary, in White Street, for the benefit of that Charitable Institution. New York, October, 1835.
