Study for "The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew"
1635/36
Medium
Pen and brown ink, with brush and brown wash, on buff laid paper, laid down on ivory laid paper, edge mounted under blue wove paper
Dimensions
29.7 × 20.4 cm (11 3/4 × 8 1/16 in.)
Classification
pen and ink drawings
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
12553
Art Historical Context
In the bustling world of 17th-century Italian Baroque art, Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, known as Guercino ("the squinter" for his crossed eyes), crafted this dynamic *Study for "The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew"* around 1635–36. Guercino, a master from Bologna, was renowned for his dramatic tenebrism—intense contrasts of light and shadow inspired by Caravaggio—and his fluid, expressive drawings. This preparatory sketch captures the gruesome biblical scene of Saint Bartholomew, the apostle flayed alive for his faith, likely as a study for a larger painting or altarpiece, showcasing Guercino's...
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 ...