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Piazza San Pietro: View of arm of colonnade, facade and fountain

Date

Circa 1910

Creator

G. Massiot & cie
Part of: Architectural Lantern Slides of Italy
Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries

The obelisk marked a center, and a granite fountain by Carlo Maderno stood to one side: Bernini made the fountain appear to be one of the foci of the ellipse embraced by his colonnades and eventually matched it on the other side, in 1675, just five years before his death.

In transforming the small existing piazza, Bernini was expected to cater for several functions. "Four rows of simple and majestic Doric columns (300 in total) all carved from Roman travertine. This forms an oval 650 feet across the long axis marked by three monuments: positioned laterally by fountains propelling tall jets of water, and in the center, by an Egyptian obelisk that had served as a turning post in the chariot races at the ancient Circus of Nero. As they enter the piazza, the faithful are embraced by "the motherly arms of the church," Bernini's own description of his Colonnade. The Colonnade becomes simultaneously a dramatic frame for the church, a nurturing enclosure for the crowds of faithful, and a stage for the processions and other sacred spectacles on which, at this particular period, the Catholic Church so strongly depended for its appeal." p. 343. Ninety-six statues of saints and martyrs are atop the balustrade.

Images

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Metadata

Creator
G. Massiot & cie
Date
Circa 1910
Publisher
Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries
Material Type
photographs
Conditions Governing Access
To view the physical lantern slide, please contact the Architecture Library to arrange an appointment

Metadata

Campus Location
Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries
Link to Finding Aid
https://curate.nd.edu/show/6w924b31x3c
This digital collection may not include all items or all of the information available about the source collection. See the finding aid for more information.

Metadata

Contact Us

Our collection information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. If you have spotted an error, please contact Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries at asklib@nd.edu.


Also from Architectural Lantern Slides of Italy

Nymphaeum, "Temple of Minerva Medica": Overall view

Nymphaeum, "Temple of Minerva Medica": Overall view

Church of Sant Ercolano: Overall view, showing polygonal tower

Church of Sant Ercolano: Overall view, showing polygonal tower

Neptune Fountain, Messina: Detail of midsection

Neptune Fountain, Messina: Detail of midsection

Castel Sant'Angelo: General view, seen from bridge; angel sculpture on top

Castel Sant'Angelo: General view, seen from bridge; angel sculpture on top

Temple of Concord: View of front facade

Temple of Concord: View of front facade

Messina Cathedral: Overall view, from the Piazza del Duomo with the Fountain of Orion in foreground

Messina Cathedral: Overall view, from the Piazza del Duomo with the Fountain of Orion in foreground

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