![Massimo Stanzione - Susanna and the Elders [1643]](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5556/15078671898_34b7a47ee5_o.jpg)
Massimo Stanzione (Frattamaggiore, 1585 - Naples, c.1656) was an Italian Baroque painter, mainly active in Naples. Massimo became the principal Neapolitan painter in the beginning of the 17th century. This was due to his vast altarpieces and frescoes and of course his following of students and imitators. He and his rival Jusepe de Ribera dominated the painting scene in Naples. Massimo’s rich colour and idealised naturalism had a large influence on other local artists, such as Francesco Solimena. It is believed that Massimo Stanzione died during the plague of 1656.
[Städelsches Kunstinstitut und Städtische Galerie, Frankfurt - Oil on canvas]