Guido Reni

Apprenticed to Denis Calvaert at age nine, Reni later joined the Carracci Academy, becoming the dominant figure of the Bolognese School.¹

Reni left the Carracci academy by 1598 after an argument with Ludovico Carracci over unpaid work, marking his independence as an artist.¹

Between 1607 and 1614, Reni was one of the premier painters in Rome, heavily patronized by the Borghese family and Pope Paul V.¹

His 'Massacre of the Innocents' influenced French Neoclassicism and served as a model for details in Picasso's 'Guernica'.¹

Reni established a restrained classical style, seen in 'L'Aurora,' which favored vibrant colors and simplicity over Caravaggio's tenebrism.¹

Reni's 1615 'Saint Sebastian' became an icon for Oscar Wilde and other gay artists due to its perceived sensual beauty.¹

Reni fled Naples in 1618 due to fears of being poisoned by local rival painters like Ribera who resisted outside competitors.¹

By the 1630s, Reni's style became looser and dominated by lighter colors, moving away from his earlier, more solid manner.¹

A compulsive gambler, Reni's later years were marked by financial distress, leading to rushed execution and many unfinished works.¹

A legend claims Reni painted Satan in 'Archangel Michael' with the features of Cardinal Pamphilj as revenge for a slight.¹