Jacob Peeling the Rods by Cagnacci (Royal Collection Trust)

Born in Santarcangelo di Romagna, Italy, Guido Cagnacci was a Baroque painter known for his dramatic and sensual works. He studied in Bologna under Guercino and later moved to Venice, where he was influenced by the works of Titian and Veronese. Cagnacci's paintings often depicted religious and mythological scenes, but with a unique twist that emphasised eroticism and sensuality. One of his most famous works is The Death of Cleopatra, which depicts the Egyptian queen in a seductive pose as she prepares to take her own life. Despite his talent, Cagnacci struggled for recognition during his lifetime and often had to rely on the patronage of wealthy families. He died in Vienna in 1663, but his work continued to be admired by later generations of artists, including Gustav Klimt and Francis Bacon.