Related:
"Rome: City Of Art"

Rome Tourist Guide Living Culture  

Rome: City of Art

Although the pontiffs did many questionable things during their reign in Rome, their most lasting legacy is a gift to art lovers everywhere. The vast artistic heritage fostered by the pontiffs is still one of Rome's most attractive features, and the architectural boom that took place from the 15^th to the 17^th century left behind the indelible image generations have come to associate with Rome. 

With all its palaces, churches and monuments, Rome is a veritable museum in and of itself. Rome has more artworks per square metre, originating from a greater number of historical periods than any other city in the world. On your way to a museum, you already stroll past ancient monuments like the Coliseum or encounter Renaissance and baroque masterpieces in the city's many squares. Much of Rome's glorious art is completely free, standing in the midst of daily life. And then, of course, is the indescribable variety offered at its many museums, art galleries and churches. Some of the museums charge an admission fee, but the churches can all be visited for free. Even many of the smaller parish churches contain invaluable works of art, such as Michelangelo's Moses in the San Pietro in Víncoli Church.

The Renaissance was an artistic movement that spread throughout Europe from the late 14th to the mid-16th century. The movement was born in Italy and was based on the rediscovery of ancient art forms and culture. Although the movement went on to influence almost every form of artistic expression and scientific thought, the fields of sculpture and architecture seemed to embody the Renaissance spirit the most. Florence was the undisputed centre of Renaissance art, but many of the artists who lived there would spend long periods of time in Rome. The capital city was not only ideal for studying the art of the ancient world, but it was also home to the pope, who commissioned many pieces from the artists. Rome benefited greatly from the sojourns of artists like Michelangelo as well as from the influence the pontiffs exerted on the art world of the time.

The Renaissance wasn't alone in changing Rome's urban character; the Baroque period was equally important in shaping the face of the city. In fact, the Baroque style, characterised by elaborate ornamentation and exaggerated form, was born right here in Rome. Not only is there logic behind the development of the style, but also as to why Rome was its birthplace. During the 17^th century, the Catholic Church needed to bolster its image. Faced with threats of other religious movements, such as the rise of the Protestant Church, the pontiffs had to reassert their power. Fully aware of the influence art had on the public imagination, the pontiffs commissioned their architects to build churches and monuments that celebrated the glory of the Catholic faith. The resulting pieces were eye-catching, ornate and at times emotionally overwhelming. Paintings loaded with both pain and ecstasy, buildings encrusted with gold, sculptures depicting impressive, monumental figures. The goal was to transmit the idea of a powerful and opulent Catholic Church, its glory unshaken by the emergence of new religious movements.

Others besides the pontiffs had their eye on the arts. The wealthy Roman families of the 17th century had also taken a liking to art and architecture, especially as a means of demonstrating their power. The families became patrons of the arts, commissioning lavish palaces, portraits and sculptures. In financing the production of the arts, they assured that the pieces would remain securely in their possession. The first half of the 17th century was marked by political calm and stability, which allowed art and architecture to flourish. The calm was broken during the second half of the century as political conflicts arose in Rome and throughout the rest of Europe. As a consequence, financial resources were invested into less "artistic" endeavours, thus diminishing the creative output in the city. Nevertheless, Rome had already gained the monumental appearance and artistic legacy that would go on to impress generations to come.

Given the immense productivity at the time, it is almost impossible to mention all of the artists and artworks that were created during the Renaissance and the Baroque era. Therefore, we will limit the list to the three artists whose work marked an undisputable turning point in Roman art history:

Michelangelo Buonarrotti

Gian Lorenzo Bernini

Francesco Borromini