Artwork
The Obsequies of Agostino Carracci: Second Plate

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

















