Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Baciccio)

Giovanni Battista Gaulli, nicknamed Baciccio, was the undisputed master of illusionistic Baroque painting. Think of Baciccio as a "blitz" of Baroque brilliance! His style is characterized by:

• Dynamic compositions: Figures swirl, leap, and tumble through space, creating a sense of overwhelming movement.
• Bold use of color: He employs a vibrant palette, particularly rich in reds, blues, and golds.
• Theatrical and dramatic lighting: Light and shadow are used to heighten the emotional impact and guide the viewer's eye.
• Masterful "quadratura": He seamlessly blended real architectural elements with painted illusion, making the ceiling vanish and open up to the heavens.

His key themes revolved around religious fervor and triumph. He was frequently commissioned to depict the glorification of saints, the Virgin Mary, and the Jesuit Order. Gaulli sought to evoke intense emotion and transport viewers into a divine realm, blurring the lines between art and reality with dazzling Baroque artistry.