Art had a cultural currency beyond monetary value during the Renaissance. Representing the tastes, desires and, often, whims of the elite, paintings and sculptures served as manifestations of power. Those who controlled the finest works of art would go down in cultural history.

For this reason, Scipione Borghese became one of the most ruthless and avid art collectors during the late Renaissance. Though he would commission works himself, Borghese also resorted to theft, bribery and even kidnapping artists to get his hands on new masterpieces.