Guercino

Guercino, 'the squint-eyed,' properly GIANFRANCESCO BARBIERI, a painter of the Bolognese school, was born 2d February 1590, at Cento, not far from Bologna. His earliest studies in painting were made in his native town; then from 1619 to 1623 he visited different cities of Italy, particularly Rome and Venice, to improve himself in his art. In 1642 he went to live at Bologna, where he became the head of a flourishing school of painting, and there he died 22d December 1666. Guercino's early paintings show perceptible signs of L. Caracci's and Caravaggio's influence. Later in life he softened the harshness of his light and shade contrasts by more harmonious colouring in Guido Reni's style. He left a very large number of pictures. His masterpieces are considered to be the fresco of 'Aurora,' in the Villa Ludovisi; the 'Death of Dido,' in the Spada Palace; and 'Saint Petronilla,' in the Capitoline Gallery, all three at Rome.