Il Barocco e l’antico.

Roma e i suoi monumenti antichi nell’età barocca.

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the use of Roman antiquities, (ancient buildings, monuments and works of art) in the definition of the urban space of the city of Rome during the Baroque period, and the influence that these antiquities had on the design and realisation of the architectural and artistic works of the main exponents of Baroque taste, especially Bernini, Borromini and Petro da Cortona. Divided in the dispute between the Classical and Baroque currents, which was very strong especially in Rome, many artists of the two factions had as a starting point precisely the study of antiquities, as evidenced by their biographical notes, the study of preparatory drawings of artworks and architectural projects.  This basic study of antiquities would later be developed through the individual creative process of the sculptors/architects/painters and lead to the birth and realisation of what is known as Baroque Rome.