Federico Barocci

Federico Barocci (c. 1535–1612) was an Italian painter and printmaker of the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods, celebrated for his vibrant use of color, dynamic compositions, and tender emotional expression. Born in Urbino, he trained under the influence of Raphael’s legacy and absorbed elements of Venetian colorism and Roman Mannerism. Barocci became renowned for religious altarpieces and devotional works, such as The Entombment and The Madonna del Popolo, which combined naturalistic detail with spiritual intensity. His delicate draftsmanship, use of pastels, and studies from life made him a pioneer in preparatory practice. Widely admired in his time, Barocci helped pave the way for Baroque painting through his synthesis of grace, movement, and deep human feeling.