Baroque Rome
If there is a period in art that can be said to have left its nature
indelibly impressed on the city of Rome, then, this would be called
Baroque. The concrete expression of the triumphant Church that managed
to overcome the crisis caused by the Protestant Reformation, the Baroque
is the style of theatricality, wonder and amazement par excellence that
emotionally involves the viewer. During the 17th Century palaces, fountains,
squares and churches were created totally invading the city and giving
it a new face which today, still sets it apart from the rest of the
world.
The two main protagonists of this tour are Bernini and Borromini who,
perhaps because of their bitter rivalry proved to be authentic geniuses.
You can admire the work of Bernini at the Church of Santa Maria della
Vittoria. Here, the Bernini's Ecstasy of St. Theresa in a theatrical
manner captures the moment when St. Theresa of Avila heart is pierced
by angel, "inflamed by the love of god. In the 18th Century, the
visiting Marquis de Sade found the work too sensual and claimed it was
hard to believe that Theresa was a saint.
At the church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, you can admire the
work of Boromini. The strange fanciful shapes of the architectural elements,
as well as the continuous alternation of concave and convex lines in
the decorative elements, were achieved thanks to the exclusive use of
stucco. Borromini as able to create a masterpiece in a church no bigger
than one of the single supporting columns of the dome of St. Peter's.
Although, the dome of St. Peter's is one of the most famous landmarks
in the world, Rome itself contains a multitude of church domes set to
a unique fashion. The dome of Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, near to the Pantheon
is a delightful example of the work of Borromini. The task of building
the church was originally assigned to Bernini. But he felt the work
too troublesome and difficult, and left the task to Borromini who created
a structure as extraordinary as it was complex.
Throughout the city centre of Rome Bernini left his footprints in the
form of his delightful fountains, or in his work at St. Peters where
he left countless examples of his great work. Other examples of Borromini's
work help confirm what an important role these two geniuses played in
the evolution of the Eternal city.
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