Patronage, Propaganda, & the Intertwining of Sacred and Secular Realms

• Heather Scott, Music Education, University of Delaware

• Maria Purciello, Musicology, University of Delaware

Maffeo Barberini was appointed to the papacy in 1623. As Pope Urban VIII, Barberini expanded the papal territories, provided charity for the poor, and supported the arts. Like his papal predecessors, Barberini commissioned some of the greatest artists of the time to create art that increased the visibility of the papacy and its religious objectives. Despite his many successes, history may best remember Urban VIII for his use of sculptures, paintings, and architecture as a means of expanding the power of the Barberini name. 

Among the great artists cultivated by Urban VIII was Gian Lorenzo Bernini who was commissioned by Maffeo Barberini multiple times, and was named chief architect of St. Peter’s. Bernini’s commissioned works supported Urban VIII’s religious, political, and familial agendas by disguising propaganda through art. Together Barberini and Bernini fortified religious architecture and revitalized religious artwork throughout the Roman papal territories. Under their direction, St. Peter’s Basilica was positioned amongst the strongest and most symbolic structures of the time. 

This paper will explore how Bernini’s art became a means of depicting Pope Urban VIII as the leader who could unify religious and secular ideals. Through the introduction of annual medals, the construction of Forte Urbano, and the expansion of the papal military, Urban was able to promote the power and wealth of his papacy. The design for Urban’s tomb, the embellishment of St. Peter’s Basilica with new works of art, and the commissioning of the Allegory of Divine Wisdom paint Urban as larger than life, connecting him with saint-like qualities that inspired both adoration and fear. The success of the propaganda inherent in these artistic endeavors led to the subconscious acceptance of Barberini as leader of both the secular and sacred realms, calling into question Pope Urban VIII’s moral compass.