The History of Painting in Italy, Vol. 2 (of 6)

This volume maps the evolution of Italian painting from the early revival of the fine arts through the close of the eighteenth century, concentrating on the distinct currents that shaped Rome and Naples. It traces how the Roman School emerged, debated, and defined itself—balancing reverence for ancient models with the bold innovations of masters like Raphael and later Barocci—while the Neapolitan scene forged its own identity under the influence of Raphael, Michelangelo, and later native talents such as Ribera and Luca Giordano.

The author presents the story as a series of “epochs,” each highlighting key artists, stylistic shifts, and the social forces that guided them. Readers will hear clear explanations of why scholars label these regional styles as “schools,” how terminology evolved, and what makes the Roman and Neapolitan approaches uniquely elegant or dramatic. The narrative stays rooted in the first act of art history, offering a vivid, scholarly tour that brings the painted world of Italy to life for the modern ear.