The department, originally encompassing Byzantine, Medieval, and XV-XVI century art, was officially formed in 2008 in line with the Vatican Museums' updated regulations. Its focus is primarily on seventeenth- and eighteenth-century artworks, with a notable inclusion of the oeuvre of renowned Venetian sculptor Antonio Canova (1757-1822). The department's responsibilities extend to preserving and managing art within the Vatican Museums, Gardens, and other historically significant sections of the palace and museum areas. A key duty includes the conservation and promotion of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century paintings.

The department's central collection, which began around 1790 under Pope Pius VI, highlights Baroque masterpieces by prominent artists like Caravaggio, Nicolas Poussin, Guido Reni, Andrea Sacchi, Guercino, and Valentin de Boulogne. These works are exhibited in Room XII of the Pinacoteca, an octagonal gallery designed by Luca Beltrami in 1932. The collection also showcases the works of major figures from late seventeenth- and eighteenth-century classicism, reflecting the Roman religious tradition, the Enlightenment, and the Grand Tour era.

The department oversees the collection's daily management, including cataloging, restoration, exhibition planning, and public education initiatives. It also engages in scientific research to support conservation efforts and deepen understanding of the Vatican's rich artistic heritage. Its activities often culminate in conferences, publications, and collaborative events, fostering exchanges with the global scientific community and paving the way for interdisciplinary partnerships with various institutions.