GRASSI, Nicola

Italian painter. He trained under Antonio Carneo and settled in Venice about 1709. In 1712, he enrolled in the guildGLOSSARYAn association of the masters of a particular craft, trade or profession (painters, goldsmiths, surgeons, and so on) set up to protect its members' rights and interests. Such guilds existed in virtually every European city in the 16th century. The guild also monitored standards of work, acted as a court for those who brought their trade into disrepute, and provided assistance to members in need. of Friulian painters. Even though he travelled widely, visiting Turkey, Germany, and Dalmatia in 1723-25, he maintained firm contact with his homeland, as is shown by his religious and biblical works. Grassi was also an accomplished portraitist.