ART 263 / MAN 263
The Business of Art

Church Patronage
Part V

The Baroque Era (17th century)

During the sixteenth century the new Protestant religion appealed to many Christians, particularly in Northern Europe, and they left the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church hierarchy, worried, convened at the Council of Trent to try to find ways to the Catholic Church of excesses, and try to win back its lost members (lost members, lost revenues). During the last session, in 1563, rules for art were made up to make Christian art more appealing to the masses. These new rules and the council of Trent's efforts, helped lead to the development of the Baroque Style.

In 1594 enough of the rebuilding of St. Peter's was completed for Pope Clement VIII to celebrate the first mass at the new high altar. (Since that date only Pope have been allowed to celebrate mass at that particular altar. Ned and Sally saw Pope John Paul II celebrate midnight mass there on Christmas Eve 1992. It was quite a spectacle, and required much sought after tickets to attend this Mass).

The 17th century is called the Baroque Era in Art. Baroque art in general is more drama, theatrical and dynamic than Renaissance art. In Italy Bernini was the most influenctial Baroque sculptor, as well as an architect.

In 1607, Carlo Maderno began digging the foundation of the new wave of St. Peter's and then worked on the facade and portico of St. Peter's . Maderno died in 1629.

Bernini, a painter, sculptor, architect, is evident every where you look as you view St. Peter's today. He really completed this great building scheme.

As you approach St. Peters from the city of Rome you may cross the Ponte di s. Angeli - a bridge decorated with huge angels Bernini's design. As you approach St. Peters you are embraced by the arms of the colonnade by Bernini. Statues of his, and his workshop's design stand atop the colonnade and facade (note the picture to the left). Inside the portico, look right to see an equestrian sculpture of Constatine by Bernini on the right, and an eqeuestrian monument on the left by one of his followers.

Inside looking down the nave, the piers and sculptures within them are his, the Baldacchino under Michelangels's great dome, the Cathedra Petri, the focal point behind the altar and numerous grand tombs of popes. It boggles the mind how much work Bernini did.

CLICK HERE to view the Bernini page.

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