The Evolution of Palazzo Barberini in the Seventeenth Century

Perkins, Lucia

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The Evolution of Palazzo Barberini in the Seventeenth Century

Perkins, Lucia

Abstract

This thesis will analyze Palazzo Barberini’s development with its inhabitants and patronswhile considering the concept of collection and display. The aim is to examine the change offunction and decoration of Palazzo Barberini from the time is was built (1625-1628) until itsrestoration and remodeling in the late seventeenth century (1670s). To do so, I will first analyzethe Barberini family history, the background of the property before the Barberini purchased it, aswell as the original floor programs and decoration (from 1628-32) and the idea of the secular andecclesiastical sections of the palace. Following, I will explore Cardinal Antonio Barberini’s useof the palace (1640s). Then, I will discuss the social and historical context surrounding Romanpalace plans and ornamentation in the seventeenth century, as well as the societal changes thattook palace in the seventeenth century such as the evolution of the Grand Tour. Finally, I willinvestigate Francesco’s renovations in the 1670s as well as his interests in collecting and hiscontributions to the Palazzo Barberini collections.Overall, this thesis is focused on the evolution of the use of space through the analysis ofthe Palazzo’s plan and use in one period and then the reuse of the same space well regarding theimportance of collection and display. Research questions that drove guided the development ofthis work were: How did the function, use and decoration of Palazzo Barberini change throughits multiple inhabitants who were of secular and ecclesiastical positions? What was thedifference between the secular and ecclesiastical parts of the palace? Were the collections anddisplay in the palace constant, or did they change? What prompted Francesco’s renovation of thepalace in the 1670s?