| Barocci, Federico (1526?-1612) , Italian painter, whose elegant and expressive style made him one of the leading mannerist painters of central Italy. Mannerist paintings typically depict figures in exaggerated poses in a shallow compositional space intended to heighten the dramatic effect. Barocci painted court portraits and grand religious works, especially altarpieces and Madonna figures. His delicate handling of color and space express a sentimental warmth and devotion that reflects his strong religious piety. His early use of dramatic lighting and other techniques made his work a precursor of the baroque style. He was a strong influence on many later baroque artists, especially Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens. Barocci was born in Urbino in central Italy into a family of artists, who provided his early training. He spent most of his life in Urbino, painting numerous altarpieces there and in the surrounding towns. Around 1550 he visited Rome briefly to study the work of Italian painter Raphael. Barocci was also strongly influenced by the compositions of Italian painter Correggio and by Correggio’s painterly approach, which de-emphasized the hard outlines of objects. In 1560 he again went to Rome, to work on a ceiling fresco for Pope Pius IV’s Casino in the Vatican gardens. But in 1563, before he had finished the project, Barocci fell ill and returned to Urbino. Barocci began working for the Duke of Urbino, Francesco Maria II della Rovere, who supported him during recurrent illnesses. Barocci’s Portrait of Francesco Maria II della Rovere (1572, Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy) shows the patron wearing armor, in the role of a military victor. The rich variety of textures and colors creates an image of wealth and power. One of Barocci’s best-known works is the Madonna of the People (1575-1579, Uffizi Gallery). This large painting shows the Virgin Mary presenting the people to Christ. The gestures and poses are elegant and the colors flicker with highlights and shadings. He arranged the figures in bold diagonals, creating a sense of upward motion and spiritual ecstasy. Barocci contrasted the exalted figures of Mary and Jesus with images of humble, everyday people, such as a beggar and a musician. Barocci drew studies for this and other paintings using sticks of dry color called pastels; he was one of the first artists to use this new medium. |
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