Domenichino

Domenichino- The Bolognese Fresco Painter

 Domenichino, or Domenico Zampieri, is a famous Italian painter who was also a practitioner of Baroque classicism. He is one of the greatest members of the Bolognese School of painting and an influential painter who brought the transition from Mannerism to 17th-century Baroque art. In fact, he is best known for the fresco painting and huge altarpiece art. During 1610-25, he was a highly influential artist in Rome. 

 Early Years

 Domenico Zampieri took birth on October 21 in 1581, in the Papal States in Italy. He was a shoemaker's son and initially studied under Denis Calvaert. Then he worked with Lodovico Carracci, and due to his small stature, he was named Domenichino, meaning the little Domenico. In 1602, he left Bologna for Rome and became the favorite pupil of Annibale Carracci. There he emerged as an important upholder of the Bolognese classicism tradition. His only undisputed work there is Maiden with the Unicorn, which is a charming fresco over the Gallery entrance. 

 By the century's second decade, he was already an established painter and had a succession of many decorative commissions, including the scenes from the life of St. Cecilia in 1613-14. His work was mostly inspired by Carracci's and Raphael's examples. Domenichino never left his principles, such as clear drawing with more painterly effects.

 Popular Artworks

 The first major success of Domenichino was the fresco painting portraying the Flagellation of St Andrew during the 1620s. It shows a transition from strict classicism to an ampler Baroque design. Some of his famous artwork also include St Nilus Chapel frescos and frescos in the Polet Chapel. Domenichino's best altarpiece is The Last Communion of St Jerome in 1614 and the mythological painting The Hunt of Diana. In fact, he still remains as a great Old Masters of Bolognese tradition.

 Final Years of Life

 In 1631, Domenichino shifted to Naples, where he painted frescos on the San Gennaro chapel, but some jealous local artist forced him to flee. But, he returned and died on April 6, 1641, before completing his work in the chapel.