Francesco Cairo

Francesco Cairo was an Italian painter born in 1607 and active during the Baroque period until his death in 1665. He is known for his dynamic compositions and dramatic use of light and shadow, which are characteristic of Baroque art. Cairo worked primarily in Milan, where he gained recognition for his religious and mythological subjects. His influence extended to his students and contemporaries, contributing to the development of Baroque painting in Northern Italy. Key life events include his association with the prominent artist Giovanni Battista Crespi and his involvement in various commissions for churches and private patrons. The details of his early life and training remain largely unknown.