Federico Barocci's Correspondence Reveals a Deliberate, Demanding Genius
Edited by Barbara Agosti, Anna Maria Ambrosini Massari, and Camilla Colzani, the book "Carteggio di Federico Barocci" (Officina Libraria) features approximately sixty letters from the Renaissance artist Federico Barocci (c. 1533–1612). These letters provide insight into Barocci's artistic processes, his delays, and his influence on European art from the 1580s to the early 1600s. Based mainly in Urbino, he interacted with patrons such as Emperor Rudolf II and Philip II, although he favored the Della Rovere dukes. His renowned work, "Madonna del Popolo," took four years to complete, leading to disputes over payment and color. Barocci became cautious with commissions, advising on ultramarine costs and swiftly delivering a "Nativity" to Cardinal Federico Borromeo, who called it "bellissimo."
Key facts
- The 'Carteggio di Federico Barocci' is published by Officina Libraria, edited by Barbara Agosti, Anna Maria Ambrosini Massari, and Camilla Colzani.
- The research was promoted by the universities of Urbino and Roma Tor Vergata.
- Barocci lived c. 1533–1612, active between Mannerism and Baroque.
- He spent most of his life in Urbino, with a four-year stay in Rome.
- The 'Madonna del Popolo' for the Fraternita dei Laici of Arezzo took four years (contract 1575, delivered June 1579).
- The contract was for 400 scudi: 200 upfront, 100 after eight months, 100 on delivery.
- Barocci refused an advance for the 'Visitation' for Santa Maria in Vallicella.
- Cardinal Federico Borromeo commissioned a 'Nativity' now at the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana in Milan.
- A replica of the 'Nativity' was given to Queen Margaret of Austria and is now at the Prado.
- Matteo Senarega commissioned the 'Crucifixion' for Genoa Cathedral (San Lorenzo).
Entities
Artists
- Federico Barocci
- Tiziano
- Federico Zuccaro
- Giulio Veterani
- Francesco Maria della Rovere
- Guidubaldo II della Rovere
- Federico Borromeo
- Matteo Senarega
- Barbara Agosti
- Anna Maria Ambrosini Massari
- Camilla Colzani
- Corrado Maltese
- Armando Besio
Institutions
- Officina Libraria
- Università di Urbino
- Università di Roma Tor Vergata
- Fraternita dei Laici di Arezzo
- Uffizi
- Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
- Museo del Prado
- Duomo di San Lorenzo (Genova)
- Santa Maria in Vallicella
- Artribune
Locations
- Urbino
- Arezzo
- Roma
- Praga
- Escorial
- Venezia
- Milano
- Genova
- Italia