Guercino, The Ludovisi Era in Rome
Guercino returns to Rome in a triumphant celebration of 17th-century art with the exhibition “Guercino: The Ludovisi Era in Rome”, hosted at the Scuderie del Quirinale from October 31, 2024, to January 26, 2025.
This unmissable event spotlights two titans of Roman art and power: Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, famously known as Guercino, and the Ludovisi dynasty, represented by Cardinal Ludovico and his influential uncle, Alessandro Ludovisi, Pope Gregory XV.
The exhibition unfolds as a captivating narrative of the brief yet pivotal Ludovisi papacy (1621–1623), a luminous interlude between the prominent Borghese and Barberini dynasties. Often overlooked by scholars, this era was crucial for the evolution of Roman art. During this time, the young Guercino found a unique opportunity to make his mark in Rome, drawing inspiration from the sophisticated patronage of Pope Gregory XV. The exhibition highlights this period’s defining features, laying the groundwork for the subsequent flourishing of Baroque art.
The display offers a comprehensive view of a historical moment where art and politics were deeply intertwined. Following the example of other powerful Roman families, the Ludovisi established their iconic Villa Ludovisi and amassed a collection ranging from antiquities to contemporary 16th-century art, enriching Rome with extraordinary works and an innovative artistic vision.
The artistic community surrounding the Ludovisi court included luminaries such as Guido Reni, Domenichino, Lanfranco, the Carracci, Pietro da Cortona, Van Dyck, Poussin, and even Bernini. The exhibition at the Scuderie del Quirinale sheds light on these interactions, showcasing masterpieces that engage in dialogue, evoking rivalries, and revealing mutual influences. At the center of it all is Guercino, the pope’s favorite artist, whose vibrant use of color and distinctive style became emblematic of Ludovisi’s ascent.
Guercino’s sensitive and dynamic approach perfectly balances classical heritage and Baroque experimentation, reflecting the refined culture and political power of the Ludovisi family. Organized in collaboration with prestigious institutions such as the Uffizi Galleries, the National Roman Museum, and the Capitoline Museums, the exhibition features 121 works sourced from 68 major museums and collections.
This event offers a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in a fascinating chapter of Roman history. For the first time, visitors will also gain exclusive access to select rooms in the Casino of Villa Ludovisi, including the Sala dell’Aurora, home to Guercino’s famous fresco. Tours, beginning on November 9, will be available only on weekends and require prior reservation.
The exhibition is not just a display of masterpieces but a journey into the essence of 17th-century art—a celebration of the beauty and power of an unforgettable era. It invites audiences to explore the brief yet radiant splendor of Ludovisi Rome, whose echoes still resonate in the halls of the Scuderie del Quirinale today.
“Guercino: The Ludovisi Era in Rome,” hosted at the evocative Scuderie del Quirinale, represents a triumph for Italian culture. According to Alessandro Giuli, Minister of Culture, “The exhibition of major works by the great master of ‘Roman Baroque’ is a point of pride, made possible through the collaboration of the Ministry of Culture, Ales, and curators Raffaella Morselli and Caterina Volpi. This volume gives textual and visual form to the masterpieces Guercino created during his Roman period, widely regarded as the peak of his artistic maturity.”
Scuderie del Quirinale
Via XXIV Maggio 16
