Roman Baroque Palaces as Theaters of Power

The palaces of Baroque Rome were more than extravagant homes for the elite. They were centers of diplomatic and cultural exchange in which cardinals, princes, and popes sought to express their political power. Through theatrical facades, strategic floorplans, and illusionistic frescoes, the patrons of Rome used their palaces to reinforce political, religious, and cultural identities. Each week students will be introduced to a new Roman palace or villa such as Palazzo Barberini, the Apostolic Palaces, Palazzo Pamphilj, and the Villa Borghese. The impact of developments in urban planning, papal pageantry, and collection and display will be considered throughout. A