Origins of the Roman Renaissance


This Thursday we were exposed to the origins of the Roman Renaissance by exploring the Santa Maria in Trastevere, Santa Cecilia, Tempietto, Castel Sant’Angelo, via dei Coronari, Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Pantheon, Campidoglio, and il Gesù.  Our first stop was the basilica called the Santa Maria in Trastevere.  This church holds some of the most breathtaking mosaics that were created by Pietro Cavallini and portrayed the life of the Virgin Mary.  The mosaics illustrated the Annunciation, the Assumption of Mary into Heaven, and the Coronation of her in Heaven.  The mosaics held a tone of naturalism in their structure because the images were not static.  The mosaic held movement, shape and life within the illustrations. 


Our next stop took the class to a church in Trastevere called Santa Cecilia Tempietto.  This church was founded by Pope Urban I in the 3rd century and was based along the life of Saint Cecilia.  Within the upstairs choir, there is a mural by Pietro Cavallini that depicts the Last Judgement.  The illustration is seated at the back of the church to serve as a reminder or inspiration for those leaving the church to remain moral and repent.  If they do not adhere to this warning, they will end up in an eternity of hell like the individuals on the left side of the mural.  This work serves as an example of power and esteem for antiquity. The Last Judgment inspires the people to remain in good faith.  The actual fresco holds certain formula that ensures that viewers understand that it is the last judgment.  This is because Jesus is placed in the middle on the thrown with the apostles, Mary, and John the Baptist on the sides of him.  The angels are playing the final trumpets and saved placed on the right, while the damned are placed on the left. 



The Castel Sant’Angelo, or the Castle of the Holy Angel, is a massive structure in Rome that has served several purposes for the city.  It has serves as a castle, prison, burial place, fortress, and a museum.  It was originally created to serve as a burial place for Emperor Hadrian, but was taken by the popes for other uses. It is an example of the papal power within Rome.  The addition of angels on the bridge and Michael the Archangel on the top are examples of baroque art. 



Our exploring then took us to a historical roman street called via dei Coronari.  It holds the true characteristics of an Italian Renaissance Street.  Then we were able to go to the Pantheon.  The Pantheon originally served as a Roman temple and then was transformed into a Roman church.  The structure and architecture are unbelievable and breathtaking.  The Renaissance artist, Raphael is buried in the Pantheon.  He was adored by the city and his passing impacted the city tremendously.


We then took a short walk to enter the Santa Maria sopra Minerva, which is Dominican church within Rome.  The church also served as the site for the Roman Inquisition, where Galileo recanted his scientific discoveries.  Saint Catherine of Siena and Fra Angelico are buried within the church.  The Santa Maria sopra Minerca holds Michaelangelo’s sculpture, Cristo della Minerva.  It also holds Filippino Lippi’s fresco in the Carafa Chapel, depicting the Annunciation and Assumption.  The fresco also holds an illustration of St. Thomas Aquinas, who was a very important figure for Dominican history and the Catholic Church. The fresco holds elements of naturalism and patronage, because Filippino was commissioned by Cardinal Carafa, or Pope Pail IV. 


            The Campidoglio, or Capitoline Hill, is placed on one of the Seven Hills of Rome and designed by Michaelangelo who was commissioned by Pope Paul III.  The piazza contains the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius.  The architecture and placement of the piazza facing away from the Roman forum, emphasizes the renaissance or addressing the future of Rome instead of the ancient past.  


            Finally, our last stop was the il Gesù, or the mother church of the Society of Jesus.  The baroque style and architecture helped established a style for churches all over the world.   Founded by Ignatius Loyola and funded by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, il Gesu was created by Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola and Giacomo della Porta.  There are frescos everywhere, depicting moments in Jesus’ life, the Virgin Mary, Saints and their martyrdoms, and many more pivotal moments in the history of the Christianity. 



Till next week!!

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