Travelling and Exoticism
Pilgrimage and the religious missions
Among the missionaries who left for foreign and distant lands, the Jesuits were one of the most important agents.
Among the missionaries who left for foreign and distant lands, the Jesuits were one of the most important agents. This is particularly true of China and Japan, Ethiopia and the interior of South America. This “Company” that appeared on the eve of the Council of Trent (1545–63) acted in conformity with the reform decrees that were then issued, and acted as privileged intermediaries of European art and culture.
Church of St. Ignatius, Triumph of St. Ignatius ceiling fresco

1691–94
Rome, Latium, Italy
Andrea Pozzo
This church was dedicated to the founder of the Jesuits and was commissioned by Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi in 1626. The vault, which is one of the the worlds largest, represents the saints Ignacio Loyola, Francis Xavier, Luís Gonzaga and Francesco Borgia, all of whom were canonised or beatified during the first two decades of the 17th century.