Artwork

The Obsequies of Agostino Carracci: Second Plate

The Obsequies of Agostino Carracci: Second Plate, by Guido Reni, ink, 1603
The Obsequies of Agostino Carracci: Second Plate, by Guido Reni, ink, 1603

The Obsequies of Agostino Carracci: Second Plate is an ink print by the Baroque artist Guido Reni. It dates from 1603 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Obsequies of Agostino Carracci: Second Plate is a 1603 etching on laid paper by Guido Reni, a prominent Italian Baroque painter associated with the Bolognese School.

Subject & Meaning

This etching depicts a funerary scene with multiple small, dynamic vignettes of figures in motion, conveying intense emotions through gestures, robes, and expressions, reflecting Reni's inclination towards religious and allegorical themes.

Technique & Style

Characterized by sharp, busy lines filling each compositional box, the etching showcases Reni's mastery of the medium, with dramatic, swirling figures set against a suggested stormy sky and distant architecture.

History & Provenance

Created in 1603 under the influence of the Carracci family, the print is now part of the National Gallery of Art's collection in Washington, D.C.

Context

Emerging from the Bolognese School, the work aligns with Reni's classical approach, yet the emotional intensity and compositional energy reflect the evolving Baroque sensibilities of the time.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this etching are not highlighted, as part of Reni's oeuvre, it contributes to the broader appreciation of Baroque printmaking and the Bolognese School's impact on European art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Guido Reni

Artist

Guido Reni

Guido Reni was an Italian Baroque painter, although his works showed a classical manner, similar to Simon Vouet, Nicolas Poussin, and Philippe de Champaigne.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.