Join us for our “Art History Illustrated” talk series presented by art historian Brenda Edgar. As the Protestant Reformation divided Europe along religious lines, the Catholic Church faced an unprecedented threat to its power and primacy. In response, the Council of Trent (1545-1563) instituted sweeping reforms throughout the Church, including draconian policies related specifically to the arts.

Art historian Brenda Edgar will discuss how great artists such as Bernini and Caravaggio were held to strict rules when they handled religious commissions. Violation of these rules was enforceable by the Inquisition, as the painter Veronese found out the hard way.