Papa, Simone (1),
called II Vecchio (the eldet), an Italian painter, was born about 1430 at Naples. He studied under Antonio Solario, called II Zingara whose works were then held in high estimation. He excelled in painting altar-pieces with few figures, grouped in a pleasing style and finished with exquisite care, in which he sometimes equaled Zingara himself. His chief works are the Triumph of St. Michael over the Apostate Spirits, in the church of S. Maria Nuova — his greatest effort; The Annunciation, in S. Niccolo alla Dogana; The Virgin and Infant Savior; with several Saints, in St. Lorenzo. Papa died in 1488.