That hoof, that sword—everything is so close! This chapel gives us a privileged view of a private conversion.
A-Level: Baroque religious painting
Pozzo’s fresco reaffirms the authority of the Catholic Church and hails its expansion across four continents.
Andrea Pozzo, Glorification of Saint Ignatius
Poussin’s ideal landscapes inspired generations of followers. Here, our eye finds a place to rest amidst the ruins.
Nicolas Poussin, Landscape with Saint John on ...
Lord, where are you going? As Peter recoils in astonishment, a muscular Jesus points the way to Rome.
Annibale Carracci, Christ Appearing to Saint Peter ...
Uniting spiritual and earthly realms, Caravaggio has left a space open for us in this circle of mourners.
Caravaggio, Death of the Virgin
A world turned upside down? Caravaggio not only upends St. Peter, but also turns artistic convention on its head.
Caravaggio, Crucifixion of St. Peter
As the apostle’s tattered green shirt suggests, this is a rough and tumble world, far from the pomp of the Church.
Caravaggio, The Supper at Emmaus
Caravaggio captures a spiritual awakening, with only light and gesture identifying these figures as divine.
Caravaggio, Calling of St. Matthew
This is Baroque scenery at its finest. Like a stage set, the altarpiece lowers to reveal a statue of St. Ignatius.
Andrea Pozzo, St. Ignatius Chapel, Il Gesù, ...
Created at a dramatic moment in European history, this explosive ceiling fresco celebrates the triumph of Jesus.
Il Gesù, Rome
In this defense of images, St. Luke turns his back on the written word to focus on painting
Guercino, St. Luke Displaying a Painting of ...
Roll up your sleeves, things are about to get bloody! This beheading is vivid, immediate, and physical.
Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith Slaying Holofernes
Spotlight on Christ! Watching this dramatic scene unfold, we become a part of it, as if already inside the tomb.