CARACCI

CARACCI or CARRACCI, a family of painters, born at Bologna: LUDOVICO (1555-1619), the founder of a new school of painting, the principle of which was eclecticism, in consequence of which it is known as the Eclectic School, or imitation of the styles of the best masters; ANNIBALE (1560-1609), cousin and pupil, did "St. Roche distributing Alms," and his chief, "Three Marys weeping over Christ"; went to Rome and painted the celebrated Farnese gallery, a work which occupied him four years; AGOSTINO (1557-1602), brother of above, assisted him in the frescoes of the gallery, the "Communion of St. Jerome" his greatest work.