Document’s truth: problems regarding to documental sources for the scientific research of Giovanni Battista Crescenzi’s artistic activity.

Abstract

Documental sources are usually an imprescindible issue for establishing the bases and main conclusions of whatever scientific research. However, a document could turn into a double-edged sword if it was isolated of his natural context, creating a biased interpretation of its contents. It would be advisable for the perfect development of a research to increase our knowledge about how administration and bureaucracy works, in order not to misunderstood the proccess and agents which are involved in. This article wants to be a reflection about the validity of the documental sources in the scientific research, taking into account the particular circumstances of the roman noble Giovanni Battista Crescenzi (Roma, 1577 - Madrid, 1635), and the dichotomy which seems to exist between documental and literary sources regarding to the professional and artistic profile of Crescenzi’s activity between the Rome of Pope Paul V and the Spanish Court of Philip III and Philip IV.