ROME - In 1600, Rome celebrates the Holy Year, the Church has defeated Lutheran fears, thanks to the great Popes of the sixteenth century and in particular Pope Sixtus V Peretti, the city has risen, after the sacking of 70 years earlier when he was plummeted to 30 000 inhabitants.
A star is born, Caravaggio, and Urbe becomes the cultural capital of Europe, populated by thousands of artists who come from everywhere. "A forge unique," says the superintendent Rossella Vodret.
He recounts an exhibition (at the Palazzo Venezia, between now and Feb. 5): in 140 paintings, for the first time, the "Rome at the time of Caravaggio." Those who worked next door, or in opposition; 40 years of art, and four popes: Clement VIII Aldobrandini, Pope Paul V Borghese, Pope Gregory XIII Boncompagni and Urban VIII Barberini, with the nobles and the cardinals are the highest purchasers in the world.