Tassi, Agostino

Tassi, Agostino (Agostino Buonamici) (b Ponzano Romano, c.1580; d Rome, 1644).
Italian painter, active mainly in Rome. He was one of the outstanding quadratura specialists of the period, his most famous work being the illusionistic architectural setting for Guercino's celebrated Aurora fresco (1621–3) in the Casino of the Villa Ludovisi, Rome. Tassi also painted small landscapes in the manner of Bril and Elsheimer, and for centuries he was remembered mainly because he taught Claude, his significance as a decorative painter being forgotten. His other claim to fame is that in 1612 he stood trial for allegedly raping Artemisia Gentileschi. The verdict of the court is unknown; Tassi is said to have spent some time in prison, but he was at liberty by 1613. However, it is certain that he was an unsavoury character (he was even suspected of murdering his wife).