Paolo Emilio Besenzi (1608–1656) was an Italian painter, sculptor, and architect of the 17th century, born and active in Reggio Emilia. He lived and worked as a painter, sculptor and architect in Reggio Emilia in the first half of the 17th century. According to Tiraboschi he was sent to France for a short time, at the court of Louis XIII, who would have named him a knight.^[1] He trained with Francesco Albani, and was a friend and companion of Lionello Spada. He was buried in the now demolished church of Santa Maria Maddalena, for which he designed the main altar.^[2]

Among the works by the artist were:

• a canvas depicting the Martyrdom of St Placido and St Flavia for the church of San Pietro, Reggio Emilia;
• a Mystic marriage of St Catherine of Alexandria;
• a canvas depicting St Simone, Saints Bernard and Catherine that once was atop the Altar of the Brusati at San Prospero.^[3]

In the Church of San Pietro, beyond the canvas of St Placido, are several sculptural works:

• a stucco image of Jesus Resurrected, in the vaulted ceiling of the main sacristy;
• the statues of Saints Peter and Prospero in the chancel;
• the stucco decoration for the altars of St Placido and St Giulia.^[4]

He made also twelve apostles and four evangelists for the Confraternity of San Domenico;^[5][6] the twelve apostles are lost. It is said that Besenzi helped design the reconstruction of the Church of Sant'Agostino.