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Urban VIII

Type Figure Region Vatican Time 1568–1644 Also known as Barberini

Urban VIII (1568–1644), born Maffeo Barberini, elected Roman pope in 1623, patronized Baroque art with Bernini as his favored artist, and in 1633 pre…

Timeline

  1. 1631–1640Vatican · VaticanAfter Galileo published 'Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems' in 1632, the papacy initiated a trial in 1633; Urban VIII approved Galileo's conviction as 'vehemently suspect of heresy' and lifelong house arrest. At the same time he vigorously sponsored artists like Bernini to decorate St. Peter's Basilica and the Palazzo Barberini, making Rome the capital of Baroque art, while also being deeply involved in papal diplomatic maneuvering during the Thirty Years' War.

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