"Caravaggio is not exclusively devoted to his work, but after two weeks of work he will wander around for two months with his sword at his side and a servant following him, from field to field, always ready to engage in a fight, making it impossible for anyone to communicate with him" K. van Mander

In the financially driven Dutch Republic, paintings served as a form of currency, used to settle debts and pay rent. An example is Vermeer’s widow, Catharina Bolnes, who owed the baker 617 guilders—about six years' worth of bread. The baker accepted one of Vermeer’s paintings as partial payment.

In the 17th century, Rome's historic center was intentionally crafted to showcase papal power, evoke reverence, and serve as a tool of the Counter-Reformation.
I'm curious to hear your thoughts! What do you think?