Reflection Paper Four: Religion in Baroque Art
Despite being raised under a major religion, this student has difficulty understanding religion in art and
everyday living. Seeing religious imagery in art like paintings or architecture evokes a sense of empathy.
To try and understand the religious influences at the time a piece of art is being created, he can only
speculate. Was it to assist higher-ranking clergy to secure a position of greater influence? Or to maintain
a hold of an already established position within a society? Was it meant to further the spread of a
particular religion? Was it meant as a positive affirmation to followers so that they knew they were
"following the one true religion" of their time?
Most visual art is open for interpretation based on guidance from religious texts, stories, fables and
possibly conversations with the artists all articulated through the higher ranking and most charismatic
speakers within a church or political group.
As this class has progressed, domes have been interpreted as a analogue to heaven or the ascension into
heaven. The church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane has a very interesting dome interior designed by
Italian Francesco Borromini. Borromini first started out as a student of architecture who fled to Rome to
escape student debt. He studied under well-known Italian architect Carlo Maderno. This church was
Borromini's first solo project after he teacher Maderno's death. Construction started in 1638.
Borromini's exterior design combines a concave and convex facade with tall columns. His interior design
is based on geometry and is considered nontraditional in the Baroque sense. Borromini passed away
before the church was completed. How would this church tie in to religious and political posturing? It
was commissioned by Spanish Trinitarian monks who wanted Christian slaves freed. Freeing slaves is an
honorable mission. To have a grand building for the monks' church would bring publicity and a space to
admire and attend celebrations of their great deeds. The same gathering place could present a leader
within the church to the public who could then begin a rise to political power and influence. Present a
person of high morals in a grand religious building, who is a charismatic orator and the slaves who have
been freed would bring a powerful message to those looking on.
The weather-worn exterior of the church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, curves and columns combined with
sculptures of cherubs and angels.
The amazing interior dome, taking on an ovalized shape and showing octagonal and hexagonal combined
geometry at the very top.