Papacy and Politics in Eighteenth-Century Rome
Pius VI and the Arts

This book explores how Pius VI, the last great papal patron of the arts in the Renaissance and Baroque tradition, used the arts as a means of countering growing hostility to the old order and the supremacy of the papacy. Pius' initiatives, included the grand sacristy for St. Peter's, the new Vatican Museum of ancient art, and the re-erection of Egyptian obelisks. These projects, along with Pius' use of prints, paintings, and performances, created his public persona, and helped to anchor Rome's position as the cultural capital of Europe.

Reviews & endorsements

"Beautifully written, well organized and illustrated, and meticulously researched, Collins's book offers a balanced account not only of Pius's many important commissions, but also demonstrates how the pope used various kinds of artworks and monuments to promote his policies and to disseminate a carefully crafted image of himself." The Catholic Historical Review

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Product details

• Date Published: April 2004
• format: Hardback
• isbn: 9780521809436
• length: 378 pages

• dimensions: 254 x 197 x 28 mm
• weight: 1.115kg
• contains: 186 b/w illus.
• availability: Available