Twenty-five Guercino drawings on display in New York’s Morgan Library

Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, known commonly in the art world as Guercino (1591–1666), was one of the most celebrated artists of the Italian Baroque era, known for his drawings which he did in a wide variety of media. From Oct. 4- Feb. 2, 2020 an exhibition featuring over 25 of the artists’ drawings is be on display in the Morgan Library in New York, with additional pieces on display on loan from several public and private collections.

The exhibition, Guercino: Virtuoso Draftsman, follows the artistic career and development of Guercino, including preparatory drawings of some of his later work which would become altarpieces.

Born in Cento, Italy in 1591, Guercino was self-taught and took much of his artistic inspiration from everyday people while living in Bologna. The artist also drew many exquisite caricatures.

This exhibition is the first time all of his works have been presented to the public at once in a group, and marks the celebration of a little-known Baroque artist.

Becca Most