Rome

More about the book

Rome, as a city and an enduring idea, is the focal point of Robert Hughes's exploration, reflecting his lifelong engagement with its history. He traces the city's evolution from its mythic beginnings with Romulus and Remus to the era of Fascism and Fellini. For nearly a millennium, Rome reigned as the spiritual and artistic heart of the world. Hughes vividly brings to life ancient figures like Julius Caesar, Marcus Aurelius, and Virgil, while also examining the Renaissance's artistic flourishing through the works of Raphael, Michelangelo, and Brunelleschi, offering fresh insights into the Old Masters. As cultural dominance grew in the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries, artists and tourists flocked to the city. Hughes meticulously analyzes the defining contributions of Caravaggio, Velasquez, Rubens, and Bernini. His portrayal of Rome is vibrant and complex, embodying both human achievement and folly. This deeply personal narrative reflects Hughes's own intricate relationship with the city, which he first encountered as an eager young traveler. Blending love, iconoclasm, and wisdom, the account is populated with colorful characters and rich details, making it an exhilarating journey through one of the world's most captivating cities.