Bust of Saint or High Priest
Guercino
c. 1645
Medium
Red chalk on ivory laid paper, laid down on ivory laid paper
Dimensions
19.7 × 13.8 cm (7 13/16 × 5 7/16 in.)
Classification
chalk
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
81648
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 ...