Sant'Andrea al Quirinale--page 1 (of three pages)

Gianlorenzo Bernini
1658-70



The facade

The facade is comprised of a large aedicule, with giant Corinthian pilasters, which frames a curving portico supported by two free-standing Ionic columns. Semi-circular steps continue the outward circular flow. The entrance aedicule is repeated inside by an aedicule framing the altar recess. See page 2.
 
The portico is surmounted by the Pamphili coats of arms--Cardinal Camillo Pamphili commissioned the church for novices of the Jesuit order. The travertine coat of arms was sculpted by members of Bernini's workshop.
 

View of the low walls extending forward and the contrapuntal motion of the curvature of the church

The forward flow of the portico and steps is countered by the concave walls extending outwards and then by the opposite curvature of the church. This dynamic contrapuntal motion is characteristic of Italian Baroque architecture. See the plan.
 
The interior dome is mantled and thus invisible from the outside.


Continue to page 2.

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© 2006 Mary Ann Sullivan. I have photographed (on site), scanned, and manipulated all the images on these pages. Please feel free to use them for personal or educational purposes. They are not available for commercial purposes.