Annibale Carracci ( November 3, 1560 - February 23, 1609), Italian painter, draftsman, one of the most important artists of his time.
Annibale was from the Carracci family, a family of Bolognese artists, well-known and appreciated. The brothers Agostino (1557-1602) and Annibale, together with their cousin Lodovico (1555-1619) later became important representants of the Italian art at the end of the 16th century. The three often worked together, and in 1580 even founded an art academy, named at first Accademia dei Desiderosi, then renamed to Academia degli Incamminati. They emphasised realism, drawing from nature.
The trio worked together until 1595, when Annibale was summoned to Rome, by the Cardinal Odoardo Farnese, as he was by far the greatest talent of the family. The Cardinal had a very special commision for Annibale : to paint the decorations for Fanese Gallery, in the cardinal's family palace, a work which will become the artist's masterpiece.
At first Annibale worked at the paintings for a small room, the Camerino, decorating it with scenes from the life of Hercules. The cardinal was so impressed, that gave Annibale the much needed artistic freedom, and in 1597 the artist started working at the larger Gallery, the theme being Love of Gods. Inspired by Michelangelo and Raphael, Carracci created a true marvel of art.
In preparing for this compositions, Annibale made literaly hundreds of preliminary drawings, a manner of working which later became customary for history painting.
He also painted portraits and landscapes, but abandoned painting after 1606, falling into a severe depression.
