Domenichino

His nickname Domenichino, meaning 'little Domenico', was given to him during his studies in Bologna due to his short stature, and it eventually became more famous than his real name, Domenico Zampieri.¹

After moving to Rome in 1602, he became one of Annibale Carracci's most talented apprentices, assisting his master with the frescoes in the Palazzo Farnese and playing a key role in the development of classical Baroque.¹

Following Annibale Carracci's death in 1609, he faced fierce competition with his rival Guido Reni, often receiving lower fees and fewer prestigious commissions than Reni during that period.¹

His masterpiece, 'The Last Communion of St. Jerome' (1614), was later praised as one of the best pictures in the world, comparable to Raphael's 'Transfiguration' for its clarity of expression and classical idealism.¹

He was embroiled in a scandal when Lanfranco accused him of plagiarizing Agostino Carracci's design for his 'St. Jerome'. However, supporters like Poussin defended it as a praiseworthy creative imitation rather than a copy.¹

With the election of Pope Gregory XV in 1621, he was appointed Papal Architect. Although he built little, he left influential drawings and designs for major Roman churches like Sant'Andrea della Valle.¹

At Sant'Andrea della Valle, he worked in fierce competition with Lanfranco; while Lanfranco painted the dome, Domenichino executed the powerful and harmonious Evangelists on the pendentives.¹

In 1631, he moved to Naples for a lucrative commission at the Chapel of San Gennaro, but he suffered from relentless harassment by the 'Cabal of Naples,' a group of local painters jealous of his success.¹

He died in Naples in 1641 under mysterious circumstances, with persistent rumors that he was poisoned by the jealous Cabal of Naples. His unfinished work was eventually completed by his rival, Lanfranco.¹