Baroque art in Italy

Dramatic lighting, movement, art that activate the viewer's space.

1600 - 1700

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Artemisia Gentileschi's image of Judith and her maidservant powerfully showcases the artist's ability to create a dramatic moment

Restoration of ancient sculptures was a big business in 17th-century Rome.

That hoof, that sword—everything is so close! This chapel gives us a privileged view of a private conversion.

Pozzo’s fresco reaffirms the authority of the Catholic Church and hails its expansion across four continents.

Lord, where are you going? As Peter recoils in astonishment, a muscular Jesus points the way to Rome.

Pluto hoists up Proserpina. She resists, pushing him away. Their desires clash, creating a dynamic composition.

She’s a monster, but in this poignant marble bust, Medusa becomes a victim of her own plight.

Uniting spiritual and earthly realms, Caravaggio has left a space open for us in this circle of mourners.

Embracing his own reflection, Narcissus falls in love with himself—and into the water. Good thing it’s just paint!

A world turned upside down? Caravaggio not only upends St. Peter, but also turns artistic convention on its head.

As the apostle’s tattered green shirt suggests, this is a rough and tumble world, far from the pomp of the Church.

The Baroque doesn’t have to be loud, as this intimate and quiet sculpture demonstrates so well.

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