After the Trial

The sentence of life imprisonment was commuted to house arrest, and Galileo was released to the custody of the Archbishop of Siena. Eventually the 70-year-old Galileo returned home. His confinement was humiliating and extremely inconvenient, yet he was able to continue his work. (Figure 1) is Florence seen from Arcetri, at the house where Galileo spent his last years. He was not far from the convent of San Mateo, where his daughter Maria Celeste died the following year. (Figure 2) is a courtyard within Galileo’s house at Arcetri. (Figure 3)

Exhibit credit: Kerry Magruder, with the assistance of , Marilyn B. Ogilvie, Duane H. D. Roller.