Patronage and Devotion: A Focus on Six Roman Baroque Paintings

A new book explores the use of sacred imagery in seventeenth-century Roman visual culture through selected studies of Baroque masterpieces. The exhibition of works by seven prominent artists at the Villa Mondragone will accompany the catalogue, showcasing paintings by Carlo Saraceni, Valentin de Boulogne, Andrea Sacchi, Andrea Camassei, Pietro da Cortona, and Carlo Maratti. The book offers insights into the religious and social dynamics of artistic patronage and the visual impact of these works on viewers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Paul Holberton Publishing Ltd

This captivating book offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the interpretation and utilization of sacred imagery, drawing upon a selection of studies focused on seventeenth-century Roman visual culture. Painting, Patronage, and Devotion: A Focus on Seven Roman Baroque Masterpieces serves as a companion to an upcoming exhibition showcasing the works of renowned Baroque artists at the Villa Mondragone, a Renaissance Papal Villa nestled in the picturesque countryside of Rome.

The centerpiece of the catalogue and exhibition is a remarkable collection of masterpieces created by seven prominent artists of the seventeenth century: six altarpieces by Carlo Saraceni, Valentin de Boulogne, Andrea Sacchi, Andrea Camassei, Pietro da Cortona, and Carlo Maratti, as well as one easel painting by Guido Reni commissioned for private devotion. The majority of these paintings will be unveiled to the public for the first time.

The publication delves into the intricate processes involved in the creation of a work of art, reconstructing the religious and social dynamics of artistic patronage and the context of worship and devotion in which these paintings were executed. Through comprehensive documentation provided by primary sources, the volume explores the profound visual impact these works had on their viewers.

This beautifully illustrated book boasts an array of remarkable new photographs and in-depth diagnostic analyses of Pietro da Cortona's and Carlo Maratti's altarpieces. It provides a comprehensive and captivating exploration of the artistic heritage of the seventeenth century, offering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich tapestry of religious and cultural expression.

Dimension: 260 x 215 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913645144