Chefs d’œuvre de la Galerie Borghèse

The Borghese Collection was undertaken in the early 17th century by Cardinal Scipio Caffarelli-Borghese (1577-1633), who established himself as one of the greatest patrons of the arts through his ambition and refined taste. Benefiting from an influential position thanks to the nepotism of his uncle, Pope Paul V (1605-1621), Scipio Borghese used every means to develop his collection, and had a sumptuous villa built in Rome to display it. This extraordinary ensemble has survived the centuries, continuing to grow in value despite the occasional dispersal of some of the works. Now a museum housed in the Villa Borghese, the Galerie Borghèse remains a true symbol of the prosperity of Baroque Rome.

Featuring over forty masterpieces, the Musée Jacquemart-André's exceptional exhibition offers a panorama of art from the Renaissance to the seventeenth century, with works by Caravaggio, Bernini, Titian, Veronese, Botticelli, Raphael, Rubens, Jacopo Bassano, Lorenzo Lotto, Antonello da Messina, Giovanni Baglione and Annibal Carrache, to name but a few. Celebrating the creative genius of the great masters and the lasting legacy left by Scipio Borghese, the exhibition highlights the themes and inspirations that characterize these works, which bear witness to an artistically and culturally flourishing era.

This catalog accompanies the exhibition, providing the reader with an in-depth analysis of the works presented, their context of creation and their journey through history. Enriched by contributions from experts, it puts into perspective the historical and artistic importance of the famous and unique Borghese collection.