Barocci, Federico
ca. 1535–1612
Italian painter

The work of painter Federico Barocci helped introduce the Baroque* movement in art. He broke with the artistic style of his day by using colors in a natural way and by portraying heartfelt emotions. Barocci's many religious paintings illustrated the spiritual ideas of the Catholic Reformation, a reform movement within the Roman Catholic Church.

Barocci learned painting in his hometown of Urbino, Italy. Early influences on his style included the rich colors of the paintings of Titian and Raphael. However, his mature work most strongly reflects the style of Correggio, with its vibrant colors and passionate feelings. Barocci's first notable piece in this style was Deposition (1567–1569), which shows the body of Christ being taken down from the cross. Barocci combined the intense grief of the women in the painting with the motion of a powerful wind through the hair and clothes of the figures. Madonna del Popolo ("mother of the people"), completed about a decade later, shows the Virgin Mary gazing down from heaven at her worshipers. The picture illustrates the idea of a direct connection with God, a concept that played a role in the Catholic reform movement then taking shape in Rome.

Barocci was also a skilled portrait painter. He excelled at capturing fine shadings of expression in his subjects' faces. His 1572 portrait of Duke Francesco Maria II Della Rovere, his chief patron*, shows the soldier delicately caressing his helmet, a soft blush on his cheek. Barocci's Self-Portrait, painted when he was around 60 years old, captures the artist's thoughtful and moody character.

(See alsoArt in Italy; Baroque. )

* Baroque

artistic style of the 1600s characterized by movement, drama, and grandness of scale

* patron

supporter or financial sponsor of an artist or writer