The Invention of Papal History: Onofrio Panvinio between Renaissance and Catholic Reform

The Invention of Papal History emphasizes the importance of historical writing in forming the image and self-perception of the papacy in the late Renaissance and Catholic Reformation. It presents the works of Augustinian historian Onofrio Panvinio and highlights the creative interplay between authors and the constraints of ideology and censorship.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The history of post-classical Rome and the Church during the Catholic Reformation has been a subject of significant interest and study. Historical texts written in Rome during this period have often been overshadowed by the city's renowned significance in the history of art. However, The Invention of Papal History aims to rectify this distorted emphasis by demonstrating how historical writing became an integral part of shaping the image and self-perception of the papacy.

Author Stefan Bauer takes us on a journey through the late Renaissance and the Catholic Reformation, showcasing the groundbreaking works of the Augustinian historian Onofrio Panvinio (1530-1568). Through meticulous presentation and comprehensive contextualization, Bauer reveals the possibilities of historical research during this time. Key questions such as the election of popes, their influence by emperors, and the admission of historical complexities to the public were explored.

It is important to note that historiography during this period was not limited to commissioned works solely written for patrons. Rather, there was a dynamic interplay between the authors' desire to explore the past and the constraints imposed by ideology and censorship. The Invention of Papal History sheds valuable light on the shifting priorities, mentalities, and cultural standards that emerged during the transition from the Renaissance to the Catholic Reformation.

This book offers a fresh perspective on the historical narrative, challenging traditional assumptions and providing a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between religion, politics, and culture in this pivotal period of European history. By examining the works of Panvinio and other scholars, The Invention of Papal History contributes to our understanding of the past and its impact on the present.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 216 x 140 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198880653