Abstract This paper describes the history and significance St. Mark's Basilica. This church is a major architectural and historical "anchor" of Venice, Italy. It details the church's unique architecture, and gives an historical account of how it was built and by whom. It provides an in-depth description of the church, interior and exterior, and also provides excerpts from stories and myths concerning the church.
From the Paper "It's a given fact that countless great cathedrals, monasteries, and other holy places have been built over the ages as a testament to man's devotion to God. In point of even more practical fact, that devotion was often tempered and blended with a generous portion of servitude to one's feudal lord as well, with the unspoken incentive that one got to keep one's property, position, or even one's life if one gave good service . . . and if one did not, well, things may not go as well as one would hope! But St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy, may well have an additional distinction of its own?not only as a sign of devotion to God, but as an edifice that stands uniquely in itself as a visual means of atonement for sin, an effort at retribution for what might well be termed a "divine crime " . . ."
Abstract This paper explains that the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome reflects the acts of Saint Peter, serves as a model for all the great Churches in Italy and provides a deep historical and religious framework for Christianity. The author points out that Saint Peter is one of the most significant icons of the New Testament. The paper notes that the first Basilica of Saint Peter, finalized in 324 and which was designed in the form of a cross, became worn through the ages and reconstruction was inevitable. The author explains that reconstruction of the new Saint Peter's Basilica, begun in 1503, involved Donato Bramante, who implemented a Greek style cross design, followed by Antonio da Sangallo, who added the Baroque features to the interior, Michelangelo, who contributed his awesome dome, and Bernini, who designed in 1667 the square directly outside the Basilica.
Table of Contents:
Saint Peter's Profile
The Deeds of Saint Peter
Saint Peter's Burial
History of Saint Peter's Basilica Architecture of Saint Peter's Basilica The Deeds of Saint Peter Reflected in Architecture
From the Paper "Jesus christened Peter with the name, Cephas. In translation, Cephas means 'The Rock'. The inference of this name clearly describes the role that Saint Peter played as a primary leader during Jesus' life. As a disciple, Peter witnessed a great deal of miracles and promoted the salvation of Christianity through example. Along with apostles James and John, Saint Peter remained close to Jesus and advised him on many issues. Peter was present for many of Jesus' trials and miracles, documented as the main apostle at Jesus' transfiguration, the revival of Jairus's daughter from the dead and the Agony of the Garden of Gathsemane."
Abstract This paper identifies and examines the three main basilicas in the Forum Romanum: Aemilia, Julia and Sempronia. The paper presents them as massive structures, generally rectangular in shape with two or more semi-circular apses or recesses. The paper explains how these basilicas were highly illuminated through the use of clerestory windows, usually greatly elevated and above the roof itself. The paper contends that in these beautiful structures, one can easily sense the Roman desire for broad, uninterrupted architectural spaces enclosed for the convenience of human transaction. The paper also explains the importance of the basilicas to the citizens of Rome, as they provided a place to meet, to converse and to witness the majesty of imperial Rome on a daily basis.
From the Paper "During the Republican period in ancient Rome, most buildings were constructed as the need arose and were designed to serve public utility or the religious and commemorative needs of the State. And within the vast complex known as the city of Rome, the Forum Romanum served as the center of political life; it was also a place where the Roman Senate met at regular intervals and where the citizens of Rome could behold public spectacles, banquets and gladiatorial contests (Dudley, p. 48).
Thus, the Forum Romanum was, in many respects, the heart of things in ancient Rome, the administrative and social center of the city whose magnificent buildings were constructed over the site of the earliest settlements (Arnott, p. 17). In essence, the Forum Romanum was the galactic hub of Rome and allowed all of the citizens to participate in the daily activities of the city and to socialize with friends, family and, at times, enemies."
Abstract This paper discusses Saint Peter's Cathedral, situated in the Vatican, Italy. Saint Peter's Cathedral, also known as the Basilica of Saint Peter, stands in what was once the Circus of Nero in Rome, where Saint Peter was crucified in 61 A.D. In around 200 A.D., an altar was constructed at the site and Saint Peter's body was buried beneath it. It examines its architecture and history, the way it was, the way it has changed over time and the way it is today. It looks at how it serves as the home church for the Pope and is a glowing testament to the art and architecture of the Renaissance, one of the most influential periods in world culture.
From the Paper "Saint Peter's contributed to the art world in many ways. Artists were in great demand to paint the many walls and ceilings, and contribute to art works to be placed in the cathedral, so many artists were kept busy in Italy during the time, thereby increasing the awareness and employment in the arts. There are also many mosaics is the church, so a wide variety of artisans were kept busy for decades decorating the massive structure. Art flourished during the Renaissance, and Saint Peter's kept artisans busy, and helped them develop new methods for their crafts, as Michelangelo did when he created the iron beam system to support the massive concrete dome (Editors)."
Abstract A paper which introduces and discusses how Michelangelo takes the humanistic and natural beauty from the Greeks concerning perfect physical humans and nudity and transforms his work for the Christian era. A brief overview of Michelangelo's childhood is also included.
From the Paper "Consistently, his work began to show more and more influences from more ancient works. While he was often ridiculed because he was not following current trends, he persisted in his own views. He memorized certain classic poses, and used them for most of his works. The David is an example of one of his works that uses a classic pose to make it seem more strong and powerful. "He no longer considered the work of art as an imitation of visible reality, nor as the image of a dream world, nor as a means of arriving at knowledge of the universe, but as an embodiment of the very essence of human life and destiny. In this vision of the cosmic law of life in man, he relates himself to the wisdom of ancient Italy" (De Tolnay 64)."
Saint Peter's Church, Basilica of St. Peter, is the largest church in the world; located in the Vatican, Rome, over the grave of Peter the Apostle; has 29 alters in addition to the high alter. Interior length, 615 ft; width at front, 87 ft; length of transept 450 ft. First consecrated in 326 A.D.; rebuilt with many changes in plans, among which was Bramante's, which was later changed from a Greek cross to a Latin cross ground plan. After 1547, construction was under the direction of Michelangelo, who designed the dome, which has a diameter of 138 ft and a height of 404 ft to the top of the lantern; consecrated in 1626.
Hagia Sophia, is an outstanding example of Byzantine architecture (Constantinople); originally built as a church by..."
Abstract This paper briefly examines various facets relating to the St Cernin Church, located in Toulouse, France. It provides historical data about where and when the Church was built and looks at some famous people linked to the Church such as Saint Thomas Aquinas. It shows the role the Church played in the Crusades and other historical facts.
From the Paper "The St. Sernin Church in Toulouse, France was built between 1080 and 1120 A.D. and is considered an exquisite medieval monument to the architecture of the Romanesque period (French Architecture 2002). The Basilica of St. Sernin was consecrated on July 8th, 1097 by Urban II, after it was restored by the canon, St. Raymond (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14795b.htm). The first bishop of Toulouse, Saint Saturnin, who was martyred in 250 A.D. is emtombed at the Basilica (Lowry 84).?"
Abstract The paper takes a close look at the differences between two of Michelangelo's most acclaimed Pietas: the Vatican Pieta found in Saint Peter's Basilica and the Florentine Pieta found at the sculptor's tomb. The paper studies the difference in technique and intent in the two works. The paper also examines the social and atmospheric changes during the sixty years between the Pietas.
From the Paper "In "Swan Songs," an academic article on art and the aging process, scholar and critic Steven Kellman observes that Solomon, the Biblical ruler and writer of old wrote the "Song of Songs" in lusty youth, "Proverbs" in prudent middle age and "Ecclesiastes" as the mellow fruit of his final years. If ancient Solomon had verily believed that all is vanity, he would never have bothered to lift quill to vellum. Yet tradition says that he did magnificently, in an autumnal way, if only to bemoan the futility of it all. Of making books there is no end, laments "Ecclesiastes," but many of the brightest books are made in sight of the finish line (Kellman 111). So, too, can we see this autumnal, end-of-life spark and sparkle in the sculptures of the not-so-ancient Michelangelo Buonarotti."
Abstract This paper examines the life and work of Carlo Maderno and his significant contributions to the innovation of the Baroque style. The paper notes that, before Maderno, many facades portrayed a Mannerist style that was often dense and without adequate spatial ornamentation. The paper further relates that Maderno's work influenced a whole generation of architects that sought greater details and more space for design to flourish in what was to become known as Baroque stylization. In essence, the paper analyzes the life and work of Carlo Maderno in relation to his architectural contributions to what has become known as the Baroque style in architectural history.
From the Paper "Carlo Maderno (1556-1629) was an Italian-Swiss architect that had moved to Rome in 1588 to begin his career as an architect for the Vatican. The fist project of significance that he was contracted for is Santa Susanna. This project would be the foundation for his style, which would help to garner a greater audience with the Pope and his eventually work on the facade for St. Peter's Basilica. The first significant contribution that Maderno made in this structure is the use of more columns and pilasters that were placed in more numerous groupings in the center of center of the entranceway (Tosini 34). "
Tags: Santa, Susanna, St., Peter's, Basilica, Sant'Andrea, della, Valle
Abstract This paper describes the Mission San Francisco de Asis or Mission Dolores, located at nearly the geographic center of what is now San Francisco. The paper relates that the Mission is one of 21 of the original Spanish Missions constructed to foster Spanish control over the region and it is the oldest intact nave structure in California and the oldest building in San Francisco, having survived the 1906 earthquake. The paper also points out that this location is said to be the original site of a Native0American village of the Ohlone Nation called Chutchui. Additionally, the paper describes the rich fusion of Spanish, Mexican and American history surrounding this mission. Two photographs are included with the paper.
From the Paper "The cemetery has never been desecrated but has had regional periodical re-internment and moving of bodies for various city projects. The rich history of some of those interred is of course limited to the white, as this was what was of interest to the people in the 19th century, when many of the local interest stories about the cemetery became popular. Famous governors of California and renegades of the region are buried there in addition to the Native burials and the friars of the Franciscan order who toiled and died there."
Tags: franciscan ohlone mystery art, roman basilica
