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

This book treats Rome, the arts and religious culture in Italy in the century or so after the Council of Trent. In that era, clerical bureaucrats may have sought to impose control and uniformity, but nine original essays in this volume demonstrate continuing vitality of a wide range of creative artistic production. The book is illustrated with more than 50 reproductions. Part 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. "From Rome to Eternity elucidates the rich and multifaceted character of Catholicism in Italy, ca. 1550-1650. Papal Rome spoke, but even as Italian Catholics listened, they themselves also spoke, and wrote, sang, acted, painted.