The Temptation of St. Francis – a lesson in the taming of the senses

It is not often that we can discover such artistically excellent, moving, and at the same time sensual and sexual works within church interiors. The protagonist of the aforementioned painting is Francis of Assisi – a saint who often appears in Catholic iconography during the post-Trent period – a humble monk, venerated for his noble life, spent in poverty. However, here we see him in an exceptional scene, in which he unveils his human needs, and at the same time struggles against them. This is a warning and a message all in one – how to control one's senses in the face of tem...

Cardinal Bernardino Spada (1594–1661) – a dream about the grandeur of his own family

Cardinal Spada was a sensible and trustworthy man – diligent and intelligent, he climbed the ladder of a Church career slowly and reasonably. He had great ambitions, although ultimately he was unable to sit upon the papal throne. But he never stopped thinking about it and all his actions, focused on bringing his insignificant in the Eternal City family into the ranks of the black aristocracy, served this purpose. Who was then, this diligent and private official with extraordinary ambitions?

Chapel del Monte di Pietà – a bombastic symbol of the struggle against usury

There is a place in Rome that can be visited only once a year. It is found in an inaccessible palace that currently belongs to a bank, but in the past was connected to an organization that had very little to do with a bank. This place is almost overbearing with its decorativeness, but at the same time, it captivates us with its exquisite selection of materials and the virtuosity of the works of art adorning it. The only surprising fact is that the chapel in question was created for a small number of members of a charitable organization that struggled against usury and brought help to the needy...