"All the World's a Stage: Baroque Rome" lecture with Professor Heather Gray

To quote a famous line in the Shakespear play As You Like It: “All the world’s a stage.” These lines were likely penned at the end of the 16th century and performed for a theater audience at the beginning of the following century. This is not a coincidence, as, it was at the end of the 16th century we see concrete, or rather cobblestone and travertine, examples of this concept materialize in the built environment of Baroque Rome. 

Join Heather Gray, Instructor in and Department Chair of Art History at Cabrillo College, for a historical and visual tour of Baroque Rome. We will begin, as any 17th century visitor coming into the city from the north would, at the Porta del Popolo. From there, we will make our way down the via del Corso, taking detours down side streets to view important 16th and 17th century monuments as well as some Ancient ones that were and still are on the agenda of any informed visitor to the city. We will stop at piazze, fountains, and churches. We will see breathtaking works by the likes of Caravaggio, Bernini, and Borromini as we undertake a pilgrimage of a different sort: an art and history pilgrimage. While we might have a different type of fulfillment in mind than our 17th century pilgrimage predecessors, we will end up at the same place: St. Peter’s Basilica. It is at the end of our journey that we will understand the full grasp of Shakespear’s words and the genius behind the Popes, sculptors, architects, and painters who made Baroque Rome the ultimate stage set and her pilgrims actors in a great play of devotion and awe.

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All guests are required to pre-register for their free ticket.

Please note Cabrillo's policy on service animals on campus:   If they are not a service animal and properly tethered, please leave them at home.

Street parking is free or you can pay for parking in the closest parking lot "L" near the Music and Theater buildings / pay at the kiosk machine.