European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - January 12, 1989, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Exhibit Schirn museum guide Reni s work shown in Frankfurt left a drawing of a Young woman by Cuido Reni. Below part of the exhibition area in the newly remodeler Schirn museum in Frankfurt. Museum by de Reavis staff writer the Schirn museum pulled out All the stops in its tribute to Guido Reni. The exhibit Guido Reni and Europe which continues through feb. 26 in Frankfurt West Germany is one of the most ambitious Ever attempted in the museum. The building was remodeler to present Reni s work in the most favourable Light. The visitor is not distracted by the unfavourable architecture that has plagued previous shows. Reni born in Bologna Italy in 1575, was a popular Painter almost from the outset of his career which began when he was 9 years old. At the age of 19, Reni was accepted by the Art Academy at Carracci. Soon he was painting for the Rich and powerful Pope Paul v Borghese and his Nephew Scipione Borghese for instance which also meant Success in Rome. But Success at court was bittersweet for Reni. The fickle pressures common to the court forced him to return to Bologna where he spent most of his life. He made Only Brief excursions to Naples and Rome before his death in 1642. Reni was the most famous and Best paid Painter of his time. His influence was widespread in Europe authors wrote eulogies to his works As soon As they appeared and Young painters made pilgrimages to Bologna to study at the master s feet. Reni s style emphasizes Beauty and Grace in contrast to that of his younger rival in Rome Caravaggio who advocated unmasked naturalism. Reni s biographer Carlo Cesare Malvasia relates what a privilege and spectacle it was to watch the Genius at work. Dozens of admiring students were always on hand As Well As scores of servants aides and hangers on while he painted. We also know from Malvasia that Reni was a compulsive Gambler whose debts forced him to produce paintings As if he were a one Man factory. Reni revered his Mother and the Virgin Mary Malvasia wrote and never had an affair with a woman. The artist lived in constant fear of witches and of being poisoned. Reni who charged exorbitant prices for his paintings is frequently credited with raising the status of painters in society of his Day from that of Mere craftsmen to respected artists. Reni s influence in Europe was considerable. His subjects classic and religious inspired painters in Spain France and Holland among them Van Dyck Murillo and Youet and the revolutionary David. In the 19th Century Reni s reputation reached its Nadir which experts attribute to the mass of Reni copiers who cheapened his Coin. A critical reappraisal of the Reni ouvre began with exhibits in Bologna los Angeles and fort Worth. Those exhibits and the one now in Frankfurt constitute an attempt to focus on the relevant Reni and to revive interest in a Little known Era of painting. The Schirn museum is open from tuesdays through fridays from 10 . To 9 . And on saturdays sundays and holidays from 10 . To 7 . Tickets Are 6 Marks for adults 4 for children. On sundays 4 Marks for adults and 3 for children. An 800-Page exhibit Catalon in German is sold at the museum for 56  museum Job s possessions Are returned in this biblical scene by Cuido Reni. 24 stripes Magazine january 12, 1989