Pissarro, Camille (1830–1903). One of the founders of French
Impressionism, Pissarro is noted for his landscapes and scenes of rural life.
Pontormo (Jacopo Carucci) (1494–1556). A 16th-century Florentine
painter of frescoes, portraits, and religious subjects on canvas. He worked in
a Mannerist idiom characterized by ambiguous expressions, illogical space,
and strangely weightless forms.
Poussin, Nicholas (1593/94–1665). The founder of French Baroque Classical
painting in the 17th century. Poussin spent most of his career in Rome, where
he enjoyed many commissions and completed many masterworks depicting
sacred subjects, such as The Rape of the Sabine Women and The Massacre of
the Innocents. Also painted mythological subjects and landscapes.
Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi) (1483–1520). The illustrious
Renaissance painter born in Urbino who studied ¿ rst with his father, then
with Perugino. He worked in Florence from 1504 to 1508 and later in Rome,
until his premature death. A major portrait artist who also was renowned for
his many graceful images of the Madonna, his larger masterpieces were the
frescoes decorating the papal apartments in the Vatican that were painted for
Popes Julius II and Leo X. His historical importance and fame has continued
throughout the 500 years since his death.
Rembrandt (van Rijn) (1606–1669). A Dutch painter and printmaker and
one of the dominant names in art history. Rembrandt painted and etched
nearly every category imaginable, from mythological scenes to scenes from
the Bible and Dutch history and, of course, portraits. His portraits seem to
communicate the thoughts and emotions of his subjects. His work is noted
for its rich warm color and masterful chiaroscuro.
Reni, Guido (1575–1642). Bolognese Baroque painter of religious and
mythological subjects. His work exhibited great technical skill, and he was
once ranked as the peer of Raphael.
Renoir, Auguste (1841–1919). One of the most well-loved of the
Impressionists; known for the beauty of his color and the sensuality and joie
de vivre in his work.