Brief Biography-Carlo Maratta (Maratti) was born in Camerino in 1625; he became a devoted disciple of Andrea Sacchi in Rome. His early works consisted principally of Madonnas, which gained him the moniker Carluccio delle Madonnine, Carlo of the Madonna, as he was said to be limited to that subject. However, when he broadened his work base and proved his capabilities, he gained numerous commissions and was held in the highest esteem above his contemporaries. Maratta received the Order of Christ from Pope Clement XI, and Louis XIV designated him a court painter after completing his painting, Daphne. He died in Rome in 1713.
The Visitation of the Virgin and a Flight into Egypt are notable works by him in the church of Siena. His Rape of Europa is in the National Gallery of Ireland.