Rejoice! : 700 Years of Art for the Papal Jubilee

by Maurizio Calvesi, Lorenzo Canova

Many of the greatest and most beloved works of Western art were executed as commissions for Papal Jubilees, sacred years of papal decress during which sins could be pardoned, slaves freed, and debts forgiven. Pope Boniface VIII proclaimed the first Christian Jubilee in 1300, and the tradition continues today. In this exquisite volume, the bounty of this inspired art is faithfully reproduced in the first major artbook on the subject. Over the centuries, the greatest artists of the day-including Caravaggio, Bernini, Fra Angelico, Masaccio, Matisse, and Chagall-were chosen to bring their creative vision to this sacred occasion. For Jubilee 2000, Pope John Paul II called upon Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg, and architect Richard Meier for major new works. These new works, along with the brilliant creations that preceded them over the centuries, are gloriously showcased in this stunning tribute that will captivate art loves of all faiths.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Maurizio Calvesi (18 September 1927 – 24 July 2020) was an Italian art critic, historian and essayist. He was born in Rome. He was a professor at the Sapienza University of Rome. He was also a member of Accademia dei Lincei. He wrote about art history during the Renaissance and Baroque times.

Calvesi died on 24 July 2020 in Rome, during the COVID-19 pandemic.