Historical Mat n.d.

Simone Cantarini, who was born in 1612, made this pen and brown ink drawing, now held at the Art Institute of Chicago, during a period of immense cultural and social transformation in Europe. Cantarini, an Italian painter and etcher, lived in a society deeply shaped by Baroque sensibilities. We see this manifest itself through the high drama and emotional intensity that he poured into his work. Cantarini, who was also known as Simone da Pesaro, cultivated an artistic identity that saw him develop a spirited manner. His relatively short life, ending at just 36 years old, may have fueled the urgency and passion evident in his artistic pursuits. This piece is from a time when artistic training was often linked to male privilege and restricted access. Cantarini, though, managed to navigate this world and leave behind a legacy that showcases the emotional resonance of human experience.