Rape of Europa

by 1598

A quarrel with Ludovico Carracci and his departure from the academy

While at the academy Reni completed commissions for his first altarpieces, but by 1598 he had left it after an argument with Ludovico Carracci over unpaid work.

by 1601

He moves to Rome: the Farnese Palace frescoes

By the end of 1601 he and Albani move to Rome to work, under Annibale Carracci, Ludovico's cousin, on the frescoes of the Farnese Palace.

1607–1614

Under Paul V: one of the Borghese family's leading painters

After returning briefly to Bologna he goes back to Rome and becomes one of the premier painters under Pope Paul V (Borghese); between 1607 and 1614 he is one of the painters most patronized by the Borghese family.

c. 1614

He leaves Rome over low pay

According to rumour he was assigned to paint the papal Chapel of the Annunciation at Montecavallo, but, feeling underpaid by the papal ministers, Reni leaves Rome for Bologna once again, leaving the role of the city's pre-eminent artist to Domenichino.

1622

Naples: fleeing envious rivals

In 1622 he works on the decoration of the chapel of St Januarius in Naples, but soon has to leave, escaping persecution and revenge from the painters Lanfranco and Ribera, who envied him.

18 August 1642

Died