ARCH HISTORY Exam #2 Week #9

4. What is the purpose of the baldacchino? How does it incorporate symbolism that reflects its purpose and also the patronage of the Barberini family?

large Baroque sculpted bronze canopy over the high altar of St. Peter's Basilica The canopy rests upon four helical columns each of which stands on a high marble plinth. The columns support a cornice which curves inwards in the middle of each side. Above this, four twice life size angels stand at the corners behind whom four large volutes rise up to a second smaller cornice which in turn supports the gilded cross on a sphere, a symbol of the world redeemed by Christianity. Bronze is believed to come from Solomon's temple

. How does Il Gesù compare to Alberti's church of San Andrea in Mantua?

a clear nod to antiquity with the use of a Classical triangular pediment and Corinthian-style capitals over the pillars.

2. Who are the principal architects involved in the rebuilding of St. Peter's, and what did each of them contribute to the finished basilica?

- In the 15th century, Pope Nicholas V asked Alberti to report on the condition of the building. The structure of the building was falling apart, so a decision was made to tear it down and build a new church. - 1606-1612 Pope Paul V commissioned Carlo Maderno to change plan from Greek cross to Latin cross - longer nave and aisles - to accommodate congregation, provide processional space. Total length = 636 feet. - Giacomo della Porta (architect) and Domenico Fontana (engineer) complete the dome in 1612 - Gianlorenzo Bernini (1598- 1680) Son of a sculptor, artistic education directed in part by Pope Urban VIII 1629-1680 Official architect of St. Peters.

1. Who built the Church of Il Gesù in Rome (patron and organization)? How can we tell, just by looking at the façade? 2. What are some of the Baroque characteristics of the facade of the church?

- Mother church of the Jesuit order and example of Baroque Architecture. Giacomo Vignola gained the patronage of the Farnese family, Cardinal Allessandro Farnese donated the funds to build the church. Vignola died in 1573 and Giacomo della Porta finished the project. - What makes this a Baroque (didactic, theatrical, dynamic, dramatic) façade? Central portal with pairs of colossal Corinthian columns and pilasters, triangular and segmented pediments, volutes link upper section with sides. Central coat of arms with IHS, the monogram of Christ and symbol of the Jesuits. Inscription on frieze acknowledges patronage of Cardinal Farnese.

1. Why was the church of Vierzehnheiligen built on its location?

1445 A young shepherd had a vision of Fourteen Nothelfer (helper saints, or guardian angels) on this location. Church built around the spot where they appeared.

2. Describe the plan of Vierzehnheiligen: how does it reflect Baroque developments of the basilica plan?

Basilica plan church, but modified to acknowledge the Nothelfer shrine in the center, and to reflect Baroque design that uses a series of ovals, ellipses, and circles that overlap and interpenetrate

3. How does the design and decoration of the interior reflect Baroque objectives?

Characteristics of Baroque architecture: "preference for axialized and centralized spaces and the imaginative integration of painting, sculpture, and architecture, to create illusions and dissolve physical boundaries.

1. What is significant about the location of the basilica of St. Peter in Rome?

Church built during reign of the Roman emperor Constantine above the tomb of St. Peter, became an important site od pilgrimage.

2. Describe the architectural composition of the facade. How does the design of the facade compare to Italian Renaissance buildings such as palazzos and villas?

Design reflects Renaissance principles established in Italy: •Ground floor arcades with rusticated masonry. •Main floor with classical orders (columns, entablature, cornice), pilasters framing round- headed windows. •Top floor (attic) with balustrade. •Addition of sculpture to facade: allegorical statues, trophies

2. Look at the façade and identify three design elements based on either ancient Roman or Baroque Italy.

Influence from Ancient Rome: Pantheon Influence from Papal Rome (Baroque Italy): St. Peter's •Pair of columns with reliefs scrolling up, scenes from the life of St. Charles Borromeo •Draws inspiration from the Column of Trajan in Rome, 100-114 CE •Two columns may be reference to the columns in the temple of Solomon in Jerusalem, dome and columns suggest the church/mosque of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.

1. What is the purpose of this building and who commissioned this phase of its construction?

Louis XIV rebuilt the Louvre in Paris and Versailles as the principal residence of the royal court. •Château designed by Louis Le Vau and Jules Hardouin Mansart •Gardens designed by André Le Nôtre •Workforce numbered 36,00 men and 6000 horses

1. What are the origins and characteristics of Baroque architecture?

The Council of Trent decreed that art was an essential tool for spreading the prestige and teachings of the Church. All the arts were deployed in this public-relations effort, and the artistic style that developed to restate traditional Catholic teachings became known as the Baroque. The results were openly propagandistic, overtly emotional, and long on sensory appeal. Based on an elaboration of classical forms, already made highly individualistic by artists and architects in the early 16th century, the Baroque was a didactic, theatrical, dynamic, and dramatic style."

3. Where did the 'Vatican Obelisk' come from originally? What is the point of installing it in the plaza leading up to the basilica of St. Peter?

The Vatican obelisk is moved in front of church in 1586 and has cross placed at top. Inscription at base reads Behold the Cross of the Lord! Flee adversaries, the Lion of Judah has conquered. The obelisk that originally embellished Caligula's circus was moved in front of the façade of the Basilica of Saint Peter (which was under construction at the time) by Pope Sixtus V in 1586, to celebrate the triumph of the Church over paganism and heresy. The obelisk was "Christianized" with inscriptions and with the symbols of the Sistine coat of arms: the lions, the three mountains and a bronze cross, which in the 18th century was embellished with the relic of the True Cross.

1. What historical events led to the construction of the Karlskirche?

•Fischer von Erlach came from Austrian family of masons, was sent to Rome for training in the studio of Carlo Fontana. •Published Historic Architecture in 1721. • Church was commissioned by the emperor Charles VI in fulfillment of a vow that he made in 1713 during an outbreak of the plague •Dedicated to St. Charles Borromeo, patron saint of the emperor.

3. What are some of the characteristics of the façade that are typical of French Baroque architecture?

•Rusticated ground floor •Colonnade with pairs of Corinthian columns (Baroque influence) •Central pediment with Minerva and Muses •Balustrade along roofline