Figure Studies

1638

Move to Rome under the Protection of Cardinal Brancaccio

He settled in Rome under the patronage of the influential Cardinal Francesco Maria Brancaccio, a lover of the arts and theater who was close to the Barberini family.

1640

Meeting Lucrezia Paolini

In Florence he met Lucrezia Paolini, who had been abandoned by her husband; she became his lifelong companion and was probably the model for the allegory of Music (c. 1641).

1640–1649

Florentine Period at the Medici Court

After scandalous quarrels with Bernini and his failure to gain admission to the Accademia di San Luca, he moved to Florence at the invitation of Giovanni Carlo de' Medici, where he remained until 1649.

1647

Participation in Masaniello's Revolt

According to a widespread account, he took part in the popular uprising led by Masaniello in Naples; he painted a portrait of Masaniello and expressed sympathy for the revolt in one of his satires.

1650

Return to Rome, Seclusion

He returned to Rome, kept to himself, and accepted no commissions, devoting himself to battle scenes and enigmatic landscapes, which he sold through his friend, the banker Carlo de Rossi.

1650s

Scandal over the "Allegory of Fortune"

The painting Allegory of Fortune provoked a storm of indignation among the religious and secular authorities, who saw in it a satire on themselves; Rosa came close to arrest and published a text offering innocuous interpretations of its imagery.