Giovanni Francesco Barbieri

Place: Cento

Born: 1591

Death: 1666

Biography:

Early Life and Training

, known by his nickname Guercino, was born on February 8, 1591, in Cento, Italy. This Italian Baroque painter and draftsman was largely self-taught, with an early apprenticeship under Benedetto Gennari in Bologna. Guercino's naturalistic style, evident in his landscapes Moonlit Landscape and Country Concert, already showed artistic independence.

Rise to Prominence

Guercino's early career was marked by several significant commissions, including the decoration of Casa Pannini in Cento (1615-1616) and St William Receiving the Monastic Habit (1620) for St Gregory Church in Bologna. This latter piece is considered a high point of his early career and showcases his naturalistic style.

Roman Period

Recommended by Marchese Enzo Bentivoglio, Guercino spent 1621-23 in Rome, where he produced several notable works, including Aurora at the Villa Ludovisi and the portrait of Pope Gregory XV (now in the Getty Museum). His Roman period was highly productive, with his style transitioning towards a more classical equilibrium.

Return to Bologna and Later Career

After Pope Gregory XV's death in 1623, Guercino returned to Cento. He continued to produce significant works, including St. Petronilla Altarpiece for St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican (now in the Museo Capitolini). His later career is well-documented in the Libro dei Conti di Casa Barbieri, an account book kept by Guercino and his brother.

• Key Works:
  • St William Receiving the Monastic Habit (1620, Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna)
  • Aurora (Villa Ludovisi, Rome) Pope Gregory XV (Getty Museum)
• Museums featuring Guercino's work:
  • Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
  • Getty Museum
  • Museo Capitolini
• View Guercino's paintings on Wikioo.org:
  • St Peter and the angel
  • Madonna and Child

  Legacy

  Guercino's legacy as a master of Baroque painting is undeniable. His influence on the development of Western painting is evident in his numerous works, which continue to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike.
  • Learn more about Guercino on Wikipedia:
  • Guercino
  • Explore Guercino's artwork on Wikioo.org:
  • Giovanni Francesco Barbieri | Wikioo.org