Giovanni Antonio Burrini was a Bolognese painter of Late-Baroque or Rococo style. After an apprenticeship with Domenico Maria Canuti, he went to work under Lorenzo Pasinelli with fellow student, Giovanni Gioseffo dal Sole. He became an early friend and often close collaborator with Giuseppe Maria Crespi, with whom he shared a studio. He became a rival and competitor with Sebastiano Ricci. He painted in Turin for the Carignano family and Novellara. In 1709, he was one of the founding members of the Accademia Clementina in Bologna.

His daughter Barbara Burrini was also a painter. Among his pupils was Bartolomeo Mercati.