Bible Artist

Federico Barocci

1535–1612 • Italian • Painter
A Visit With Jesus

Federico Barocci was an Italian late Renaissance painter whose warm color, tender expressions, and carefully constructed compositions shaped Catholic religious art.

Federico Barocci

Dates: 1535–1612

Nationality: Italian

Born: Urbino, Duchy of Urbino

Died: Urbino, Duchy of Urbino

Also known as: Federico Fiori; Il Baroccio

Biography

Born in Urbino around 1535, Barocci trained in a family connected to the arts and spent time in Rome before working primarily in Urbino. His paintings were admired for their emotional accessibility and painstaking preparation. He produced numerous drawings and studies before completing major altarpieces. Despite prolonged ill health, he continued to receive important religious commissions until his death in 1612.

Artistic Style

Barocci combined Venetian-inspired color with soft transitions, animated figures, and elaborate preparatory drawing. His graceful figures and affectionate treatment of sacred narratives anticipated elements of Baroque painting.

Biblical Art Significance

His biblical subjects include the Nativity, Annunciation, Visitation, Rest on the Flight into Egypt, and the Descent from the Cross. His work invites viewers to contemplate both the humanity and sacred significance of Gospel events.

Notable Works

The Nativity; The Annunciation; The Visitation; The Descent from the Cross