Pietro da Cortona (1596 - 1669)

Pietro da Cortona (1596 - 1669) - photo 1

Pietro da Cortona

Pietro da Cortona, born as Pietro Berrettini, was an eminent figure in the Italian Baroque movement. His multi-faceted genius encompassed painting, architecture, and design, earning him a reputation second only to Bernini in the Roman Baroque style. Cortona's journey in art commenced in Rome around 1612, where his talents flourished under the patronage of influential families like the Barberini​​​​.

Pietro da Cortona's masterful frescoes in the church of S. Bibiana, commissioned by Urban VIII, set the tone for his illustrious career. His most iconic work, the colossal fresco "Allegory of Divine Providence and Barberini Power" in the Gran Salone of the Palazzo Barberini, epitomizes his skill in creating grandiose, illusionistic art. This piece, commenced in 1633 and completed in 1639, is a testament to his belief in the epic scale of history painting, a view he defended in a notable debate with Andrea Sacchi​​​​.

In 1637, Pietro da Cortona's artistic journey took him to Florence at the behest of Ferdinand II de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. Here, in the Palazzo Pitti, he created frescoes for the Planetary Rooms, combining allegorical themes with lush stucco work, significantly influencing the Italian and French decorative arts​​​​.

Pietro da Cortona's contributions to architecture were equally significant. His architectural masterpiece, the church of SS. Martina e Luca in Rome, exemplifies his ability to create grand structures with a unified Baroque vision. His architectural prowess, though less correlated with his painting style, made a lasting impact through its emphasis on form rather than ornament​​.

For art collectors and enthusiasts, Pietro da Cortona's works offer a rich tapestry of Baroque artistry, blending grandeur, realism, and allegory. His frescoes, paintings, and architectural designs continue to captivate audiences, symbolizing the opulence and dynamism of the Baroque era.

To stay updated on the latest insights and collections related to Pietro da Cortona, consider subscribing to our updates. Stay informed about new sales, exhibitions, and auction events related to this master of the Baroque style.

Date and place of birt:1 november 1596, Cortona, Italy
Date and place of death:16 may 1669, Rome, Italy
Nationality:Italy
Period of activity: XVII century
Specialization:Architect, Artist, Painter
Genre:Allegory, History painting, Mythological painting, Religious genre
Art style:Baroque, Old Masters

Creators Italy

Ambrogio Preda (1839 - 1906)
Ambrogio Preda
1839 - 1906
Bice Lazzari (1900 - 1981)
Bice Lazzari
1900 - 1981
Henri le Hon (1809 - 1872)
Henri le Hon
1809 - 1872
Lorenzo di Credi (1459 - 1537)
Lorenzo di Credi
1459 - 1537
Luigi Mantovani (1880 - 1957)
Luigi Mantovani
1880 - 1957
Gaetano Sabatini (il Mutorolo, Il Mutolo) (1703 - 1734)
Gaetano Sabatini (il Mutorolo, Il Mutolo)
1703 - 1734
Lelio Orsi (1511 - 1587)
Lelio Orsi
1511 - 1587
Ottorino Garosio (1904 - 1980)
Ottorino Garosio
1904 - 1980
Isidoro Grünhut (1862 - 1896)
Isidoro Grünhut
1862 - 1896
Ettore Roesler Franz (1845 - 1907)
Ettore Roesler Franz
1845 - 1907
Rimma Nikitichna Brailovskaya (1877 - 1959)
Rimma Nikitichna Brailovskaya
1877 - 1959
Alberto Martini (1876 - 1954)
Alberto Martini
1876 - 1954
Hans Speckaert (1540 - 1577)
Hans Speckaert
1540 - 1577
Domenico Tempesti (1652 - 1737)
Domenico Tempesti
1652 - 1737
Anton Sminck Pitloo (1790 - 1837)
Anton Sminck Pitloo
1790 - 1837
Kazuhide Takahama (1930 - 2010)
Kazuhide Takahama
1930 - 2010

Creators Baroque

Jeremiah Davison (1695 - 1745)
Jeremiah Davison
1695 - 1745
Gabriel Bodenehr I (1664 - 1758)
Gabriel Bodenehr I
1664 - 1758
 Giorgione (1477 - 1510)
Giorgione
1477 - 1510
Francis Cotes (1726 - 1770)
Francis Cotes
1726 - 1770
Jan Kupecky (1667 - 1740)
Jan Kupecky
1667 - 1740
Johann Liss (1597 - 1631)
Johann Liss
1597 - 1631
Franz Anton Hartmann (1694 - 1728)
Franz Anton Hartmann
1694 - 1728
Karl Wilhelm de Hamilton (1668 - 1754)
Karl Wilhelm de Hamilton
1668 - 1754
Johann Heiss (1640 - 1704)
Johann Heiss
1640 - 1704
Jacobello del Fiore (1370 - 1439)
Jacobello del Fiore
1370 - 1439
Jacques Stella (1596 - 1657)
Jacques Stella
1596 - 1657
Frans van Stampart (1675 - 1750)
Frans van Stampart
1675 - 1750
Jan Victors (1619 - 1676)
Jan Victors
1619 - 1676
George Brookshaw (1751 - 1823)
George Brookshaw
1751 - 1823
Jean-Pierre Rivalz I (1625 - 1706)
Jean-Pierre Rivalz I
1625 - 1706
Giovanni Battista Crosato (1685 - 1758)
Giovanni Battista Crosato
1685 - 1758
× Create a Search Subscription