168 - Federico Barocci (Urbino, 1535–1612), attributed

Federico Barocci (Urbino, 1535–1612), attributed Study for a Head of an Old Man Oil on canvas 55 x 43 cm Barocci frequently employed this perspective in depicting his figures, to the point that it became a hallmark of his style. This painting bears a resemblance to the face of Saint Andrew in the painting *The Calling of Saint Andrew*, housed at the Musée royal des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. See: https://fine-arts-museum.be/fr/la-collection/federico-barocci-la-vocation-de-saint-pierre-et-de-saint-andre?artist=barocci-federico Federico took his first steps in the arts by following in the footsteps of his father, Ambrogio Baroccio, a sculptor of Milanese origin. Once his talent was recognized, it was his uncle Bartolomeo Genga who encouraged him to devote himself to painting. He then went to the workshop of Battista Franco, known as “il Semolei,” which was located in Urbino. He broadened his artistic horizons by studying under Francesco Manzocchi and Taddeo Zuccari. After moving to Rome, he was drawn to the art of Raphael and quickly achieved success. After leaving Rome due to an alleged case of poisoning, he returned to his native Urbino in 1565. There he founded his own workshop, from which—despite its remote location—he was able to satisfy clients from central and northern Italy. His art permeated the entire Italian late Mannerist scene, spreading from Umbria to Siena, Genoa, Mantua, and Bologna, with echoes in Southern Italy and even abroad thanks to Flemish painters and engravers who were influenced by his style. Federico Barocci (Urbino 1535–1612) attributed Study for a Head of an Old Man Oil on canvas 55 x 43 cm Barocci frequently employed this perspective in his depictions of figures, to the extent that it became a distinctive feature of his style. This painting bears a resemblance to the face of Saint Andrew in the painting *The Calling of Saint Andrew*, held at the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. See: https://fine-arts-museum.be/fr/la-collection/federico-barocci-la-vocation-de-saint-pierre-et-de-saint-andre?artist=barocci-federico