Guercino: A Major Exhibition in Turin Explores the Baroque Master's Life and Work
An extensive exhibition dedicated to Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, famously known as Guercino, is currently displayed at the Musei Reali in Turin, arranged by the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna. The exhibition comprises ten thematic sections, one of which focuses on Sibyls. Born in Cento in 1591, Guercino was a self-taught artist who created a Madonna during his youth. He established the Accademia del nudo, where he mentored 23 students. In 1617, he received praise from Ludovico Carracci. After studying the works of Venetian masters, he relocated to Rome in 1621 under Pope Gregory XV, producing notable pieces. Guercino managed his workshop like a business and chose not to marry. Following Guido Reni's death in 1642, he settled in Bologna, suffered a heart attack in 1661, and passed away in 1666. The exhibition emphasizes his enduring legacy.
Key facts
- Exhibition on Guercino at Musei Reali in Turin, organized by Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
- Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri) born in Cento in 1591, died in Bologna in 1666
- As a child, painted a Madonna on his family home, noticed by canon Antonio Mirandola
- Founded Accademia del nudo with 23 students, including from France
- Visited Venice in 1618, praised by Palma il Giovane
- Moved to Rome in 1621 under Pope Gregory XV, left after pope's death in 1623
- Ran workshop with price list, recorded sales in 'Libro dei conti'
- Only copyist allowed was Bartolomeo Gennari; copies sold for one-third of original price
- Refused marriage and invitations from English court, Marie de' Medici, Louis XIII
- Exhibition includes ten sections, one on Sibyls; catalog by Skira
- Context includes transition from Mannerism to Baroque, scientific revolution
- Moved to Bologna after Reni's death in 1642; brother Paolo Antonio died in 1649
- First heart attack in 1661, fatal one in 1666
Entities
Artists
- Giovanni Francesco Barbieri (Guercino)
- Ludovico Carracci
- Palma il Giovane
- Guido Reni
- Bartolomeo Gennari
- Paolo Antonio Barbieri
- Caravaggio
- Ludovico Ariosto
- Torquato Tasso
Institutions
- Musei Reali di Torino
- Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
- Pinacoteca Civica di Cento
- Scuderie del Quirinale
- Skira editore
- Accademia del nudo
- Artribune
Locations
- Turin
- Italy
- Cento
- Bologna
- Rome
- Venice
- Ferrara
- England
- France