The grand halls of Waddesdon Manor, built in the style of a French Renaissance château, are set to host a breathtaking exhibition of one of Italy’s most important Baroque painters – Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, also known as Guercino (1591-1666). Guercino’s work is famed for its dynamic compositions, dramatic lighting, and profound emotional depth.
A Rediscovered Masterpiece and a Historic Reunion
The centrepiece of this unique exhibition is the recent rediscovery of Guercino’s long-lost masterpiece, Moses. Painted in the early 17th century, the dynamic artwork depicts the Old Testament figure in a moment of communication with God. Its reappearance is a remarkable addition to Guercino’s known works and offers a fresh perspective on his early artistic development.
What makes the exhibition at Waddesdon even more special is the historic reunion of Guercino’s mesmerizing “King David” with three other monumental works depicting sibyls – female prophets from classical antiquity. These sibyls, on loan from the National Gallery and the Royal Collection, were originally conceived as companions to the King David painting.
Born in the Italian town of Cento, Guercino rose to prominence as a Baroque master, sought after by wealthy patrons across Europe. Known for his evocative use of chiaroscuro (dramatic contrasts of light and dark), he possessed a rare ability to express both power and introspection on canvas. His legacy includes a vast range of religious and historical subjects, as well as hundreds of evocative drawings.
In the exhibition, the juxtaposition of the biblical figure of David with the mystical sibyls invites fascinating interpretations. David, the shepherd turned king of Israel, is often viewed as a foreshadowing of Christ, offering a sense of prophecy fulfilled. The sibyls, on the other hand, represent the pagan world’s own predictions of a saviour’s arrival.
Visitors will be captivated by Guercino’s mastery in portraying these figures. His David is not only a King but also a soulful poet and visionary. The sibyls, while steeped in ancient symbolism, are given a vibrant presence and psychological weight through his expressive brushwork.
The Guercino exhibition at Waddesdon Manor runs from March 20 to October 2024.
Waddesdon | Near Aylesbury | Bucks HP18 0JH