From Rome to Eternity: Catholicism and the Arts in Italy, ca. 1550-1650

This text treats Rome and the arts and religious culture in Italy, in the century or so after the Council of Trent. Clerical bureaucrats may have sought to impose control and uniformity, but the nine essays in this volume demonstrate the continuing vitality of a wide range of creative artistic production. The book is illustrated with more than 50 reproductions. Parts I and II explore themes of Italian artists as saints and sinners, and arts of sanctity, suffering and sensuality in Italy. Part III, Italy and Beyond: Rome and Global Catholic Culture , acknowledges world-wide dimensions of early modern Catholicism. The work seeks to elucidate the rich and multifaceted character of Catholicism in Italy between 1550 and 1650. Papal Rome spoke, but even as Italian Catholics listened, they themselves also spoke, and wrote, sang, acted and painted.