Boy Reading
Guercino
n.d.
Medium
Red chalk, with stumping, over traces of black chalk, on ivory laid paper, tipped onto cream laid paper
Dimensions
46.8 × 38.5 cm (18 7/16 × 15 3/16 in.)
Classification
drawings (visual works)
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
55042
About the Artist
Guercino · 1591–1666
Son of a laborer who transported wood. He was called Guercino (squinter), because he was cross-eyed or had a squint in his right eye. Reputedly self-taught early, then an apprentice in the shop of Benedetto Gennari. Patrons included the papal legate at Ferrara and the Archbishop of Bologna. He developed a classical style later in his career. After the death of Guido Reni, Guercino was the leading ...