With its dramatic scenes, religious themes and bold use of light and shadow, baroque painting had a profound impact on all forms of art and architecture in 17th century Europe.

The style flourished in Italy and now art fans in Wollongong can see the paintings of some of Italy's best baroque painters.

The Baroque in the Marche - From Rubens to Maratta exhibition at Wollongong Art Gallery opened on Friday and features 36 paintings from Marche, Italy, compiled by Vittorio Sgarbi.

While the paintings are prints of the originals, the prized collection is of great artistic and cultural value and has been on display in Osimo, Italy, for 18 months.

Among the painters featured are Maratta, Pomarancio, Bernini, Reni, Guercino, Gentileschi, Preti, Vouet, Solimena, Cantarini, Guerrieri, Sassoferrato and Flemish artist Rubens.

The free exhibition has been organised and funded by the Federation of Associations of Le Marche, which has about 60 members in Wollongong, including president Stella Vescio and patron Italo Mazzola.

Mr Mazzola said it was the first time this exhibition had come to Australia and it was quite an honour for Wollongong.

"We are hoping to get good crowds ... it [the exhibition] was given to us by the Lions club in Marche," he said.

"They came here to a Lions convention in 2009 - they won a first prize and as a gesture of recognition they sent us these paintings."

The free exhibition at Wollongong Art Gallery runs until March 6, when it heads to Sydney.

The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am-5pm, and noon-4pm on weekends.