Dramatic lighting, movement, art that activate the viewer's space.
1600 - 1700
videos + essays
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Elisabetta Sirani, Portia Wounding her Thigh
Sirani primarily celebrates Portia as a courageous heroine, but also pays homage to the work’s intended owner
Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Cathedra Petri (Chair of St. Peter)
Did Peter sit here? Dizzying but unified, light and gold glorify this sacred place.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Pope Paul V
Gian Lorenzo Bernini was only 23 years old when he was commissioned to carve a bust of Pope Paul V. Learn more about this piece with Timothy Potts from the J. Paul Getty Museum.
Artemisia Gentileschi, Conversion of the Magdalene
Gentileschi's Mary Magdalene chooses between a spiritual and worldly path.
The altar tabernacle, Pauline Chapel, Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome
The altar tabernacle of the Pauline Chapel at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome repackages a medieval icon and turns it into a dazzling Baroque trophy.
Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness by Caravaggio
"Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness,” by Caravaggio is characterized by its dramatic chiaroscuro and innovative depiction of Saint John as a brooding adolescent. Learn more about this masterpiece from Julián Zugazagoitia, Director of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Il Gesù, Rome
Created at a dramatic moment in European history, this explosive ceiling fresco celebrates the triumph of Jesus.
Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith and Her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes
Artemisia Gentileschi's image of Judith and her maidservant powerfully showcases the artist's ability to create a dramatic moment
Restoring ancient sculpture in Baroque Rome
Restoration of ancient sculptures was a big business in 17th-century Rome.
Caravaggio, The Conversion of St. Paul (or The Conversion of Saul)
That hoof, that sword—everything is so close! This chapel gives us a privileged view of a private conversion.
Andrea Pozzo, Glorification of Saint Ignatius
Pozzo’s fresco reaffirms the authority of the Catholic Church and hails its expansion across four continents.
Annibale Carracci, Christ Appearing to Saint Peter on the Appian Way
Lord, where are you going? As Peter recoils in astonishment, a muscular Jesus points the way to Rome.
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