Giovanni Maria Riminaldi was a notable personality in the eighteenth century Roman panorama. He first came to Rome to complete the law studies begun in his native Ferrara and remained to undertake what would turn out to be a greatly successful ecclesiastical career. Received at the papal court because of his judicial-administrative capacities, he was loyal to the reason of state, becoming the man most trusted by a pope. Although he resided in Rome, he continued to take an active interest in Ferrara, undertaking the reform of the university and sending splendid gifts that subsequently found their home in the municipal museum. He was a member of the Arcadian Academy as well as an honorary member of the Academy of San Luca. He was esteemed by artists and men of learning with whom he surrounded himself and whom he encouraged and promoted. His friendship with Mengs was interrupted only by the artist’s death. Feared and respected for his uncompromising character, he was sued by the sculptor Vincenzo Pacetti whom he had commissioned to execute Mengs' funeral monument.