Virtual Tour - the Basilica of St Peter in Rome - Essay Example

Architectural glory includes its absolute size, its unbelievably elaborate decoration, and, most of all, the enveloping golden light that bathes every corner of the church. The central and side naves are packed with altars, monuments to the Popes, statues of the founders, and delicate mosaics. However, there is one part of the architectural form which surpasses all other aspects of the building and adds magnificence to the entire structure. This is created by the apse which is the dominant feature of the work done inside this building. It is the colossal papal altar of Saint Peter in Glory which is crowned by an exceedingly dramatic gild bronze canopy (Lees-Milne 1967). This is to be considered a masterpiece of Baroque energy by the famous Bernini. It was designed to create a holy space above and around the table upon which the Sacrament was laid. The four huge columns were made of bronze twisted and decorated with olive leaves and bees as an emblem of Pope Urban. Showcases with twisted columns were created to show the precious relics of the Basilica such as the spear of Longinus which was said to have pierced Christ’s side.

French Baroque did not follow the same designs as its Italian counterparts. This was evident when Louis XIV held the opinion that the Baroque as it was practiced in Italy was not in the French taste. He proved it by rejecting Bernini's famous proposal for redesigning the Louvre. Thus, the Palace of Versailles proves to be an ardent display of this new classicism which seeped into the traditional Baroque form. It began construction under Louis XIV who aimed to use propaganda and art to glorify the French. The Marble Court, Garden Façade, and Hamlet of Marie Antoinette are just a few buildings that followed this kind of architecture under Louis XIV’s rule. Versailles was chosen as the fixed housing of the sovereign kings in 1682, two years after its completion. It began an ardent display of Baroque architecture which represented a world of civilization and pleasure. A magnificent Hall of Mirrors reflects this form of Baroque art as it allowed the king to bestow his power. Coupled with this were various salons. Amongst them was the Salon of Hercules which was decorated with beautiful ceiling fresco paintings. The Salon of Abundance was similar in its design to a Baroque piece of architecture. This classical form of architecture was further complemented by the construction of extensive gardens which surrounded the area.

The Hampton Court in England plays its role as a palace for King Henry VIII. However, at the end of his reign, he was replaced by various Kings and Queens who continued to live in his lavish apartments. It was during the reign of William and Mary that Sir Christopher Wren was given the commission to redesign the lavish palace. He rebuilt them using a beautiful Baroque style which is prevalent even today. The work done by Sir Wren is evident in the East Front and South Front of the Court. The magnificent East and South fronts were constructed in red brick with Portland stone carvings. The structure’s forms were intended to rival Louis XIV's rebuilding of Versailles.

This building too possesses displays of strength and power to glorify the force of England. Similar to the Versailles it has a great stone centerpiece, the focal point for the design of the East Front. This is surmounted by a massive pediment containing Caius Gabriel Cibber's relief of Hercules triumphing over Envy. Along with this are Corinthian columns that support the pediment and edge the three windows of the Queen's Drawing Room. Lastly, over the middle window is a symbolic composition of a trumpet, scepter, and crown, incorporating William and Mary's monogram. On the Southern is a trophy of arms with the Latin inscription which highlights the Privy Chamber within and is considered the most important ceremonial room in the palace.
Thus all three buildings represent an excellent and superior form of Baroque art that will attract and intrigue individuals for generations to come. Read More