How Did We Get Here?

My appreciation for Baroque Art began before I could even name the style. Roaming the Art Institute of Chicago, I was invariably drawn to the European Art galleries, captivated by the 16th and 17th-century paintings. The dramatic chiaroscuro, the vivid detail of the figures, the lifelike quality, and the religious themes resonated with me deeply. In early 2019, Daniele Bolelli's guest appearance on a podcast discussing his "History on Fire" series sparked my curiosity, leading me to his insightful episodes on Caravaggio. Upon viewing several works, I recognized that Caravaggio's distinctive style encompassed all the elements I admired in the Art Institute's collection. This led to the revelation that the art I was so fond of was known as "Baroque."

During a trip to Rome in the summer of 2019, I sought to locate Caravaggio's works within the city. Unfortunately, I encountered no definitive online resource listing all his paintings and their locations. The available lists were inconsistent and often outdated, particularly regarding the authenticity of certain works. Nonetheless, the Caravaggio paintings we discovered were stunning. Viewing them in situ, whether in a church or gallery, and pondering their various elements was an enlightening experience. Understanding the background of the artist, the artwork, and its subject matter enriched my appreciation significantly. Sharing my encounters with Caravaggio's paintings often elicits looks of puzzlement or disbelief from friends. Many cannot grasp the concept of visiting an art museum, let alone conducting prior research to enhance their experience.

The challenge of finding reliable and accessible information on Caravaggio and other renowned Baroque artists, coupled with the public's hesitation to visit art museums, spurred the formation of The Baroque Art Accessibility Consortium. Our mission is to offer precise details on the locations of celebrated Baroque artworks and to craft personalized itineraries for the world's most illustrious art museums. Our goal is to encourage museum visits and deepen the appreciation for the rich tapestry of Baroque Art.

We are a US 501(c)(3) Non-profit Organization and we are solely funded by your generous donations.