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St. Peter's Basilica
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The Colosseum in all its splendour

We're used to think about Roman monuments in white. They were colored and this is a reconstruction that gives us a perfect idea of how they looked like.
The Ara Pacis had a strong political propaganda of the time of Augustus (the first emperor) and here you can admire its splendor.

🖼️Conversion of Saul.Odescalchi collection.
This version of the Conversion of Saul was executed for the chapel of Santa Maria del Popolo in Cerasi chapel.
Why was It substituted?
👩‍🏫We have many informations about this painting thanks to the contract between Tiberio Cerasi and Caravaggio,which records that two cypress panels had to be used in 1600: One for the Conversion and one for the Crucifixion. The contract offered 400 golden florins reward. We don't exactly know why Caravaggio made another Conversion (the One today exposed in Santa Maria del Popolo) but this version was substituted, why?
My opinion Is that Tiberio Cerasi who, during his life was a sinner, wanted to be represented with humilitas : the parallel with the Apostle had to stress his redemption as a release from sin and the best version Is the latter.
Whether this Is true or not, I think the Odescalchi version has a strong power, more spiritual and manieristic.
Let's enjoy It.