Pope Sixtus V. The Hermit of Villa Montalto, by W. T. Selley

Sixtus V. The Hermit of Villa Montalto. A much neglected, but major figure of the Renaissance. Although Sixtus V was abstemious and devout, living quietly with his widowed sister, he was in the front rank of great reforming Renaissance Popes, and important in the creation of Renaissance Rome. Many of the monuments of Rome, the obelisks and fountains, the frescoes and Church facades were designed under his influence with a view of easing the path of the pilgrims visiting Rome.