From time to time I have been asked why I sign my paintings Iannello. Iannello (also spelt Ianniello) was my wonderful mother’s maiden name and I proudly use it in her memory. Her full name was Letteria Iannello and she was born in Sicily.
According to the House of Names the surname Iannello originated in Florence with Lapo Gianni in 1270. Gianni was a poet and a friend of Dante and Cavalcanti.
There are many variations of the name including Ianniello, Gianni, Ianne, Giannelli, Gianniello, Giannella, Giannetti, Giannetto, Giannini, Giannino, Iannetti, and on and on.
Again according to House of Names early family members include Lapo Gianni, Italian poet in Florence, Donato Giannotti, a political writer and historian in Florence around 1500, Giugio Pippi di Giannuzzi, a painter and architect who assisted Raphael and who completed the Transfiguration in the Vatican in Rome after Raphael’s death. Antonio Giannotti, Bishop of Forlì in 1563, and Urbino in 1568 and composer Antonio Gianetti.
Please visit http://www.iannelloartwork.com to view my complete gallery.