Genius of Rome 1592-1623: First published on the occasion of the exhibition The Genius of Rome, Royal Academy of Arts, London 20 January-16 April 2001

At the close of the 16th century, Europe’s most talented painters flocked to Rome, the Eternal City, to execute commissions for popes, princes, and cardinals. Four artists—Caravaggio, Annibale Carracci, Rubens, and Adam Elsheimer—played central roles in the creation of a revolutionary style of painting. The Genius of Rome 1592–1623 showcases the achievements of these masters, who gave birth to the Baroque style of painting.

The Baroque style imbued religious works with invigorating realism and breathed life into portraiture and landscape painting. This landmark volume, featuring 300 magnificent colorplates, includes essays by leading scholars that explore the movement’s dominant themes. Published to accompany an important exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, The Genius of Rome 1592–1623 brings this art event to a broad audience.

Beverly Louise Brown has published widely on Renaissance and Baroque art. Formerly a curator of Italian art at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, and assistant director of the Kimbell Art Museum, Forth Worth, Texas, she has curated several major international exhibitions. She lives in Fort Worth.