Giuseppe Cesari (1568–1640), known as Cavaliere d’Arpino, was an Italian painter and draftsman associated with late Roman Mannerism. He began working in Rome as a teenager in Niccolò Circignani’s workshop and participated in decorative projects at the Vatican.

Under Pope Clement VIII, Cesari became a leading painter of religious and civic commissions. His projects included the fresco cycle in the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Ascension at San Giovanni in Laterano. Clement VIII awarded him the title of Cavaliere di Cristo in 1600.

Cesari also produced small religious and mythological paintings and drawings in chalk and ink. Caravaggio worked in his studio early in his Roman career. Cesari served as head of the Accademia di San Luca and continued painting in Rome until his death in 1640.

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