Guercino (1591–1666) was one of the greatest 17th-century Italian artists. His sophisticated and beautiful Baroque works were coveted in his lifetime. King Charles I of England, King Louis XIII of France, and possibly King Philip IV of Spain sought to appoint him their respective court painter, but he declined them all, preferring to stay in his homeland.
Over the centuries, three superb and connected Guercino paintings ended up in private British collections. In 2025, the trio were permanently reunited at their new home, London’s National Gallery.
