As in previous pages of our Fetty History the earliest pronunciation of our name begins in the Italian Language derived from latin.
We find the earliest reference to the spelling of our name as Fetti in Rome, Italy (as of this date) with Fra' Mariano Fetti the examiner and certifier of documents and works of art (notary) at the Vatican, Rome for pope Leo X. Several references of Fra’ Mariano Fetti in artists biographies of this era in Rome indicate his main duties and talents would have involved art for the Vatican.
Pope leo X (1460-1531) from Florence, Italy flooded Rome with his relatives and fellow Florentines to fill all official positions. Knowing this we can associate Fra' Mariano Fetti was also from Florence and related to the famous artist Domenico Fetti (1589-1623) from Rome who later became court artist for Cardinal Ferdinando Gonzaga, who became Duke of Mantua in 1613.
Domenico Fetti, his father Pietro Fetti along with his brothers and sisters left Rome for Mantua 1613-14. Eventually the Duke engaged him in extensive decorative cycles for the Palazzo Ducale. By 1618 Domenico seems to have established a considerable workshop in which his assistants and students made many copies of his works. His family was active in the shop, including his sister Giustina (active c. 1614-1651?), whom he had trained and who took the name Lucrina upon entering the convent of Sant'Orsola. Domenico Fetti moved to Venice in August 1622.
As of this date we find most Fetti's with the same spelling in and around North Italy, Milano, Mantua and also Padova where Massimo Fetti and family reside today. Massimo has generously offered to research the Fetti history and genealogy of Italy and provide his genealogy line. |
