Pietro da Cortona was an influential Italian painter and architect of the Baroque period, born in 1596 in Cortona, Italy. He is best known for his dynamic compositions and dramatic use of light and color, which brought a sense of movement and emotion to his works. His most famous painting is the ceiling fresco in the Papal Palace of Pope Urban VIII in Rome, titled "The Triumph of Divine Providence." In addition to painting, da Cortona contributed to architecture, designing several important buildings in Rome. His style combined classical elements with the exuberance of the Baroque, influencing many artists and architects of his time. He passed away in 1669, leaving a lasting legacy in the art world.