Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri)

Guercino, born Giovanni Francesco Barbieri in 1591, was an Italian painter and draftsman active during the Baroque period. He gained recognition for his dramatic use of light and shadow, as well as his emotive compositions, which significantly influenced the development of Baroque art. His notable works include "The Calling of Saint Matthew" and "The Burial of Saint Petronius." Guercino's career was marked by his successful commissions for churches and private patrons, particularly in Bologna and Rome. He passed away in 1666, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be celebrated for its technical skill and emotional depth.