Basilica of Santa Maria Del Popolo Rome Art Guide
A Subconscious Gem: The Church of Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome
By Invitee Poster Andie Easton, author of the Clued In Travel Books –
The walnut tree is the reason the Church building of Santa Maria del Popolo was congenital.
Every Roman citizen knew about the tree and the large number of black crows–an unnatural number–that clung to its branches every twenty-four hours. And it was common cognition that the tree had everything to do with the Emperor Nero.
In the Renaissance, people wondered why the crows always flocked to that item tree. It was unnerving, especially to the merchants and officials who used the Flaminia roadway which led north out of Rome. They had to laissez passer right by the tree because the city's walled gate was next to it.
They were convinced that the shiny, black, rustling tree caused bad luck. Mishaps on their various journeys only confirmed this. They became then fearful of the evil that inhabited the area that they finally demanded the Church fathers practice something virtually it.
Every Roman citizen knew about the tree and the big number of black crows–an unnatural number–that clung to its branches every day. And it was common knowledge that the tree had everything to do with the Emperor Nero.
In the Renaissance, people wondered why the crows always flocked to that particular tree. Information technology was unnerving, especially to the merchants and officials who used the Flaminia roadway which led north out of Rome. They had to laissez passer right by the tree because the city's walled gate was next to it. They were convinced that the shiny, blackness, rustling tree caused bad luck. Mishaps on their various journeys only confirmed this. They became then fearful of the evil that inhabited the area that they finally demanded the Church building fathers do something about it.
Origins of Santa Maria del Popolo
There are many reasons why the churches in Rome were built and many reasons for their called locations. The church building of Santa Maria del Popolo is located on the site of the walnut tree that grew over the very spot where the despised Nero's body had been unceremoniously cached some 1500 years before. Nero evidently now haunted the place; people had seen him there. Only a church built on that spot would calm the populace. And it needed to be made of import. If the Pope recognized the church, it would get a Basilica.
The gild eventually came downwardly from Pope Paschal Ii. The situation had become a social scandal, and this was his official solution. Important artists must be commissioned to decorate its side chapels and ceiling. The artistic works created for information technology would demand to bound from such important themes that even God would notice it.
For the project, the Church recruited renowned artists Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini, who all enjoyed fame during their lifetimes. (Well, Caravaggio was definitely known, but not necessarily for his fine art.) If yous're unfamiliar with these gentlemen artists of the 16th century, I must tell you lot that they are very famous in the art earth. Legendary, even.
What'south Special about Santa Maria del Popolo
In situ is Latin for "in place" and is the term given for paintings, mosaics, frescoes, and sculptures that are still in the exact spot for which they were deputed, for where they were designed to exist. It is always special when one views something in situ, specially a major work.
And that is why I love Santa Maria del Popolo. It lays claim to two Caravaggio paintings, sculptures by Bernini, and a mosaic ceiling designed by Raphael. These creations have remained undisturbed in their precise positions. They could accept hands been moved to some globe-class museum or other, to bolster their daily visitation numbers and exist historic at members-only cocktail events that the press would cover with uneducated glee. But something even more amazing happened: the works stayed where they were and as a result are almost unknown.
Location of Santa Maria del Popolo on the Piazza del Popolo
Located a bit out of the way at the n end of Piazza del Popolo, Santa Maria del Popolo sits quietly, without banners or signs. One would never know that it displays listen-boggling, priceless fine art. The masterpieces are not featured in any special mode. You must actually get looking for them.
In the Chigi Chapel, you'll find products of the genius of both Raphael and Bernini. Raphael patently based his mosaic ceiling on the most important theme he could think of, The Creation of the World. It is so incredible that even as you are staring at it, your eyes tell you lot that information technology'south a painting, not a mosaic.
Statues by Bernini
All the amazing statues in this chapel are by Bernini. If you're not familiar with Bernini, yous'll want to check out more of his cute statues, mostly notably those in the Borghese Gallery in the lovely Borghese Gardens in Rome.
In the Cherasi chapel, you'll find the two phenomenal canvas paintings by Caravaggio positioned directly opposite one another—the sensual Conversion on the Way to Damascus and the gut-wrenching Crucifixion of Saint Peter.
The theme of Peter (equally in the apostle Peter of Vatican fame) being crucified upside down in Rome equally the Bible describes is not a theme that many artists favor. Perhaps that's because it is merely too horrific. Caravaggio was not afraid of much, it appears, and clearly threw caution to the wind.
Visiting Santa Maria del Popolo
You lot'll be surprised at the lack of visitors inside the Basilica; y'all may well exist the only one. The reason is simply that most people don't know about the identify or what makes information technology special, even after being featured in Dan Brown's Angels and Demons.
The Church of Santa Maria del Popolo is located at 12 Piazza del Popolo, next to the n stone gate and is free to enter. It's open daily with sporadic hours; check their website for the days of your visit: rome.net/santa-maria-del-popolo. Avoid visiting on a Sunday during Holy Mass considering yous won't be allowed to freely wander. Phone: Intl. calling: (011) 39-06-631-0836 / Local calling: 06-631-0836
Happy travels,
Andie Easton
Read about Andie Easton and her wonderful series of books!
Source: https://www.artsy-traveler.com/a-hidden-gem-the-church-of-santa-maria-del-popolo-in-rome/
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