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Santa Maria Maggiore: Overall exterior view of the rear side, facing Piazza dell'Esquilino

Date

Circa 1910

Creator

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

The obelisk was moved to the site by Maderno and Fontana.

Situated at the end of the Esquiline Hill and formerly known as S Maria ad Praesepem, S Maria Maggiore was traditionally founded by Pope Liberius (reigned 352-366) and financed by Johannes, a rich citizen, after a miraculous summer snowfall. It is more likely, however, that it was founded in the early 5th century by Sixtus III, whose name appears in the mosaics of the triumphal arch in front of the apse. Until the 12th century, when Eugenius III (reigned 1145-1153) built the narthex, work on the church was mainly limited to maintenance. The mosaic decoration of S Maria Maggiore was executed in the 5th and 8th centuries; the earlier scheme, in the Classical tradition, comprises the most important mosaic cycle in Rome of this period. Chapels were added and other changes in subsequent centuries; Longhi and Fuga are responsible for changes to the facade (ca. 1743).

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/q524jm2447j
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

Doge's Palace: Exterior facade facing the Piazzetta, Piazza San Marco

Doge's Palace: Exterior facade facing the Piazzetta, Piazza San Marco

Santa Maria Maggiore: Interior view of nave looking towards altar

Santa Maria Maggiore: Interior view of nave looking towards altar

Certosa di San Martino: Chiostro Grande, interior with detail of the monks’ cemetery

Certosa di San Martino: Chiostro Grande, interior with detail of the monks’ cemetery

Fountain of Neptune [Bologna]: Overall view, front

Fountain of Neptune [Bologna]: Overall view, front

Basilica Julia: Overall view, showing arches of back wall, facing Temple of Castor and Pollux in background

Basilica Julia: Overall view, showing arches of back wall, facing Temple of Castor and Pollux in background

Church of San Vitale: Overall exterior view

Church of San Vitale: Overall exterior view

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Raclin Murphy Art Museum
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