180 - Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, known as Guercino (Cento 1591 – Bologna 1666), from the workshop of

Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, known as Guercino (Cento 1591 – Bologna 1666), from the workshop of Madonna with the Blessing Christ Oil on canvas 135 x 109 cm This work is based on the painting, also known as the Madonna dei Cappuccini, housed at the Pinacoteca Civica in Cento Guercino’s workshop was based on the family ties that bound his brother Paolo Antonio, his brother-in-law Ercole Gennari, and the latter’s brother, Bartolomeo. During its active period, in addition to assisting the master, the studio produced many copies to meet the high market demand. Over the years, Ercole Gennari’s sons, Cesare and Benedetto, joined the workshop’s original core group. Thanks to them, Guercino’s workshop continued for a full half-century after his death, coming to an end in 1715 with the passing of the talented Benedetto, a famous portraitist and the only one to possess independent creative abilities. Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, also known as Guercino (Cento 1591 – Bologna 1666), workshop of Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ Child Oil on canvas 135 × 109 cm The painting is based on the work also known as the Madonna dei Cappuccini, housed in the Civic Art Gallery of Cento