Juan Bautista Maíno, born in 1581 in Pastrana, Spain, was a distinguished painter of the early Baroque period. Coming from a prosperous family, Maíno had the means to travel to Italy around 1600, where he absorbed the influences of Caravaggio's dramatic chiaroscuro and Annibale Carracci's classicism. These Italian influences profoundly shaped his artistic style. Returning to Spain by 1610, Maíno gained recognition with works for the Monastery of San Pedro Mártir in Toledo, including the "Adoration of the Shepherds" and the "Adoration of the Magi." These paintings showcase his mastery of light, shadow, and emotional expression. In 1613, Maíno joined the Dominican Order, and his religious commitment is reflected in his art, which predominantly featured devotional subjects. In 1620, he was appointed as the painting master to the future King Philip IV, highlighting his esteemed position at the Spanish court. One of his notable later works, "St. Dominic Presiding over an Auto-da-Fé" (1626), exemplifies his mature style and intricate detailing. Despite being overshadowed by contemporaries like Velázquez, Maíno's blend of Italian and Spanish influences significantly contributed to Spanish Baroque painting. He died on April 1, 1649, in Madrid, leaving a lasting legacy in Spanish art.