Explore the Papal nephews in Rome about the Historical context of this artwork, Archery Contest of Diana and her Nymphs.
Early in a pope's reign, they would appoint their nephews, typically their closest male relative, to a high position of power. These papal nephews, or Cardinal-Nephews, were often given authority but not much to oversee. Therefore, they frequently became important patrons of the arts. At this time however, nepotism was a significant problem in the Church. As was seen with Scipione Borghese, the power often was not enough for those as nephews and they demanded more. Allowing the family of the pope and unelected or under-qualified officials into these positions of power more often led to superfluous spending of the church's money.
Church Scipione Borghese Borghese Rome Cardinal-Nephews nepotism