Today we had the pleasure of a tour led by a second year seminarian from the Pontifical North American College. His encyclopedic knowledge took us from the year 30 through present day and covered everything from theology to architecture and art. Greg was wonderful.
St. Peter's is a baroque style basilica with a barrel vaulted ceiling with a sharp cornice that divides the heavenly (ceiling vault) from the human (space beneath the cornice). One could also characterize the endless embellishment on every surface, as "horror vacui" a term used in art meaning fear of empty spaces.
The dome design was originally commissioned to be designed by several famous artists including Raphael, who were unable to complete the task. It eventually fell onto the shoulders of the great sculptor, Michelangelo. The dome exterior we see covers an invisible square under structure which is different from the dome construction of the Brunelleschi Duomo in Florence, a completely unsupported dome.
We know Michelangelo for painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling, but until that time, he had been best known as a sculptor. The Sistine Chapel required the ceiling to be painted to cover an unsightly seam from a patch necessitated when part of the structure sank, as St. Peter's was built on a swamp.
We know Michelangelo for painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling, but until that time, he had been best known as a sculptor. The Sistine Chapel required the ceiling to be painted to cover an unsightly seam from a patch necessitated when part of the structure sank, as St. Peter's was built on a swamp.
Several great artists are featured throughout this basilica which includes 40 different altars and functions as a working parish with regular baptisms and weddings.
More to follow.
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