Aviva Press

By Maria Esteves - February 10, 2009

The 17th Century Italian Baroque artist GUERCINO opening night gala and exhibition was held at the Italian Cultural Institute of New York on Monday, February 2, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Organized by director Renato Miracco, Italian Cultural Institute of New York, curator Fausto Gozzi and representative Milena Naldi of Cento Museum, exhibit showcase for the first time in the United States 28 astounding paintings by Guercino's earliest years from Cento and Bologna. The free exhibition runs from February 3 - March 2, 2009. For more information, please call 1.212.879.4242 or visit http://www.iicnewyork.esteri.it.

Giovanni Francesco Barbieri (Cento 1591 - Bologna 1666) born cross-eyed
known as GUERCINO "the squinter" is one of the renowned leaders of Italian Baroque Paintings. Self taught 8-year-old Guercino painted many murals on the walls (frescoes) of casa Pannini, a wealthy family's home in Cento, one being the traditional Mary gazing in worship at the son of God she mothered "Madonna of the Ghiara.

Baroque style paintings encouraged by the Roman Catholic Church began in the 17th century. The word baroque derived from the Portuguese "barroco" simply means elaborate. Baroque art is characterized by great drama, rich, deep color, and intense light and dark shadows.

GUERCINO in New York Opening Night Gala & Exhibition:
Mayor of Cento, Flavio Tuzet, (right), with interpreter Lilia
Pino-Blouin.

GUERCINO in New York Opening Night Gala & Exhibition:
President Giancarlo Moris, Bologna Hotels Association.

GUERCINO in New York Opening Night Gala &
Exhibition: counselor responsible for commerce,
tourism and urban marketing, Bologna Municipality,
Maria Cristina Santandrea.

GUERCINO in New York Opening Night Gala & Exhibition: (back left to right)
Vatican Representative at the United Nations; curator of Cento Museum, Fausto Gozzi; President Giancarlo Moris, Bologna Hotels Association; director Renato Miracco, Italian Culture Institute of New York, Mayor of Cento, Flavio Tuzet; and Francesco Maria Talo', Italian Consul in NY; (front left to right), representative of Cento Museum Milena Naldi and counselor responsible for commerce, tourism and urban marketing, Bologna Municipality, Maria Cristina Santandrea.

A few of the rare and fascinating paintings that explore Baroque artist GUERCINO earliest years on display at the Italian Cultural Institute of New York includes:

Madonna of the Ghiara, c. 1600-1605, fresco transferred to canvas.

Rinaldo Corradino riding a mule, c. 1615-1617, oil on canvas.

Animals fighting in a pen, 1615, fresco transferred to canvas.

Ostrich hunting, 1615, fresco transferred to canvas.

Rear view of putto sitting in a niche, dated 1615,
1615, fresco transferred to canvas.

Portrait and a young ecclesiastic, 1615-1617, oil
on copper.