Alexander Rizzoni, also known as Alessandro Rizzoni, was a Russian-Italian painter renowned for his portraits and genre scenes, often depicting Catholic themes.

Rizzoni was born into an Italian family from Bologna, residing in Riga, Latvia. He received artistic training from his brother Pavel, who was also an artist. Later, he enrolled at the Imperial Academy of Arts in 1852 under the guidance of Bogdan Willewalde. His exceptional talent earned him two silver medals in 1857.

Embarking on a self-funded study trip to Italy and France in 1857, Rizzoni returned in 1860, receiving a gold medal for his painting "Jewish Smugglers." It's important to note that subsequent works indicate no Anti-Semitic sentiment. Further travels took him to Spain and Belgium, and in 1862, he was honored with another gold medal and a stipend to continue his studies abroad.

Residing in Paris and Rome for four years, Rizzoni focused on producing portraits of Catholic clergy, scenes depicting daily life, and interiors of religious buildings and synagogues. Exhibiting eight paintings in Saint Petersburg in 1866, he earned the esteemed title of "Academician" and an extended stipend. Two years later, he displayed additional works and was appointed Professor.

Although his stipend expired, Rizzoni chose to remain in Rome while exhibiting in Saint Petersburg. He actively assisted in acquiring paintings for the Tretyakov Gallery and collector Bogdan Khanenko. From then on, his artistic endeavors primarily revolved around the Catholic Church, occasionally including portraits of young women. Rizzoni's paintings were renowned for their meticulous attention to environmental and costume details, although they faced occasional criticism for being perceived as sentimental. Some non-Catholic commentators in Russia expressed concerns about his perceived lack of "critical detachment."

In June 1901, an acerbic article published in World of Art denounced Rizzoni as the "worst of all modern artists" and a disgrace to Russian art. The attack appeared motivated by his subject matter and loyalties rather than his artistic quality. Following this and subsequent criticisms, Rizzoni fell into depression and tragically took his own life the following year.