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Guido ReniItalian painter of the Baroque era, representative of Bolognese academicism
Date of Birth: 04.11.1575
Country:  Italy |
Content:
Biography of Guido Reni
Guido Reni was an Italian Baroque painter and a representative of the Bolognese Academicism. He was born on November 4, 1575, in the Italian city of Calvenzano. Reni began learning painting at the age of nine and later enrolled in the Academy of the Carracci brothers. He then started mastering the technique of fresco painting and, from 1602, began earning a living by decorating churches and palaces with his frescoes. For example, he painted the Church of San Michele in Bosco in Bologna.
Early Career and Influences
After moving to Rome, Reni meticulously studied the works of Raphael. The early period of his artistic development was embodied in the painting "The Massacre of the Innocents." In 1614, Reni created his famous fresco "Aurora" in the Rospigliosi Palace. The talented master was commissioned by Cardinal Borghese to paint "The Crucifixion of St. Peter," which became a highlight of the Vatican Gallery. Pope Paul V entrusted Reni with the decoration of the chapel in the Quirinal Palace and the creation of the painting "Adoration of the Cross" for the Church of St. Gregory.
Influence and Legacy
Many outstanding painters, such as Lauri, Loli, Dinarelli, Sirani, Gessi, Sementi, Marescatti, Ruggeri, Cantarini, Lafranco, and Chittadini, studied under Reni. Eleven paintings by Guido Reni are preserved in the Hermitage Museum, including "The Adoration of the Shepherds," "The Adoration of the Magi," "The Abduction of Europa," and others.
