Augusto Ratti, after Guido Reni (born Bologna, Italy, 1575; died Bologna, Italy, 1642)
Italian, active c. 1850s
Aurora
c. 1856
oil on wood panel
95.2 x 172.7 cm
©Government of Ontario Art Collection, Archives of Ontario

In 1624, Bolognese artist Guido Reni painted what is considered to be his masterpiece, the Aurora fresco, on the ceiling of the Palazzo Rospigliosi in Rome.  It depicts Apollo, the sun god, riding in his chariot led by Aurora, goddess of the dawn.  Reni revered Raphael and emulated his High Renaissance style using clear light, lively colours, harmonious proportions and an orderly composition.  His classical, academic approach is at odds with the Baroque style that was prevalent in Reni’s time, which favoured deep, rich colours, dark shadows, and high drama.  This panel is a copy of Reni’s fresco made by Augusto Ratti, an Italian dealer and painter.