May 22nd is the Feast day of St. Rita of Cascia. In Rome, in the Basilica di Sant'Agostino (Basilica of Saint Augustine), there is a Chapel dedicated to her memory. "Ecstasy of Blessed Rita da Cascia" (1674) by Giacinto Brandi is on the altar of the Chapel.

On May 1st the Catholic Church celebrates St. Joseph the Worker, the patron saint of all workers. Joseph was a popular subject to paint during the Counter-Reformation as he truly represents spirituality in everyday life.

"Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." (John 20:27).

With the "Incredulity of Saint Thomas" (1602), Caravaggio gives us the most visceral representation of the Risen Christ's physical body that've I've ever encountered.

This Easter Sunday, we look at one of the BAAC’s favorite depictions of the resurrected Christ.

On this Holy Saturday, the Baroque Art Accessibility Consortium takes a look at some moving and powerful pieces depicting Jesus’ Passion and Resurrection.

“Pietà with St Francis and St. Mary Magdalene” (c1607) by Annibale Carracci.

On this Holy Saturday, the Baroque Art Accessibility Consortium takes a look at some moving and powerful pieces depicting Jesus’ Passion and Resurrection.

On this Holy Saturday, the Baroque Art Accessibility Consortium takes a look at some moving and powerful pieces depicting Jesus’ Passion and Resurrection.

On this Holy Saturday, the Baroque Art Accessibility Consortium takes a look at some of moving and inspirational pieces of Jesus' Passion and Resurrection.

“Entry of Christ into Jerusalem” (c.1640) by Laurent de La Hyre located in Eglise St-Germain-des-Pres in Paris. I took this picture when in the church this past fall but the lighting + my lack of skill doesn't do the painting justice. This an example of 17th century art that is not considered strictly Baroque, because of La Hyre's moderation and use of brighter color palate which is in direct opposition of what Vouet was painting at the same time in Paris after his return from Rome.

April 4th is the feast day of St. Isidore of Seville. St. Isidore was 7th century a scholar, bishop, and theologian. Known as the "last scholar of the ancient world," he compiled the Etymologiae, an early encyclopedia. A key figure in preserving classical knowledge, he worked to unify Visigothic Spain under Catholicism.

In honor of the Annunciation we've got a bonus post of two decidedly NOT Baroque paintings.

March 25th is the Feast of the Annunciation in the Catholic Church. It is the announcement by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive a son by the power of the Holy Spirit to be called Jesus. It was an extremely popular subject to depict in Counter-Reformation times. Today we show 4 versions of the Annunciation. Two from Caracci's school and 2 from Caravaggio's "School".

March 19th is the Feast of St. Joseph, the earthly father and foster father of Jesus Christ, and the husband of the Virgin Mary. A humble carpenter by trade, Joseph is a key figure in the Nativity story, demonstrating unwavering faith and obedience to God's will. Joseph was visited by an angel in a dream and instructed to take Mary as his wife, despite her miraculous pregnancy. He later guided his family to Egypt to escape King Herod's decree to kill all male infants in Bethlehem, ensuring the safety of the young Jesus.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! As St. Patrick’s day celebrations were started by Irish emigrants as a way to remember the homeland, you won’t find any Baroque paintings of the saint.

Today is International Women's day. During the 1600s women, generally speaking, were regarded as the pillars of society; but, they still had to conform their expected roles and the arts were definitely not encouraged. Women who did study art were not allowed to study nude models and many of them focused on still life paintings. Two women who broke the mold are Artemisia Gentileschi and Judith Leyster. These women painted the same scenes as men and as such, many of their paintings have been misattributed to men until recently.

On March 8th , the Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of St. John of God. St. John dedicated his life to helping the sick. He opened a hospital in Granada, Spain and welcomed in anyone who needed help. When the Royal Hospital was on fire, St. John ran inside and saved many patients and was not injured himself. The above painting "St. John of God Carrying a Sick Man" (1672) by Murillo may be depicting that very scene as he receives help from an Angel.

March 4th is the feast day of Saint Casimir, a 15th century prince of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Known for his piety, devotion to God, and generosity towards the sick and poor, Casimir led a life of humility and virtue despite his royal status. He died at age 25 most likely of tuberculosis. Casimir is the patron saint of Lithuanian Youth, Lithuania and Poland. Casimir's body is in a sarcophagus in the Vilnius Cathedral in Lithuania.

February 22nd is the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle. In St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, in the Apse (behind the main altar) is Bernini's Cathedra Petri (1647). This reliquary holds what is traditionally believed to be the chair of St. Peter. Four doctors of the church are holding down the throne St Ambrose and St Augustine in the front and St Athanasius and St John Chrysostom in the back.

In the Basilica di Sant'Agostino in Rome, in the third chapel on the right, you can find The Ecstasy of Blessed Rita da Cascia (1674) by Giacinto Brandi.