Approaching the divine, Il Gesù, Rome

Summary

In this insightful exploration of Il Gesu, the mother church of the Jesuits, Steven and Beth delve into its architectural significance amid the Counter-Reformation. They highlight the church's design as a response to Protestant challenges, emphasizing the focus on the altar and the engagement of the laity. The architecture combines Renaissance elements with classical references, creating a powerful visual narrative of triumph for the Catholic Church. The Baroque ceiling painting by Gaulli further enhances this sense of the miraculous, illustrating a dynamic connection between the earthly and heavenly realms, underscoring the central theme of salvation through Jesus.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Il Gesù is the mother church of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), founded by Ignatius of Loyola.
• 🌍 The Jesuits focused on preaching and converting people, particularly in Asia and Latin America.
• ⛪ The Counter-Reformation sought to reaffirm the supremacy of the Catholic Church in response to the Protestant Reformation.
• 🎨 Il Gesù reflects a new kind of church architecture emphasizing clarity and accessibility in art and worship.
• 📏 Unlike traditional cruciform basilicas, Il Gesù features a centrally planned design, pushing the altar forward for focus.
• 🛕 The architecture is influenced by Renaissance designs, recalling the work of Alberti and ancient Roman structures.
• ✨ The ceiling, decorated by Baroque painter Gaulli, features the initials IHS, symbolizing the name of Jesus.
• ☁️ The ceiling painting creates an illusion of depth, with figures rising to heaven, enhancing the sense of the miraculous.
• 👼 The artwork blurs the boundary between the earthly and the heavenly, drawing viewers into a spiritual experience.
• 😈 The contrasting depiction of the Elect and the Damned highlights the duality of salvation and condemnation in the faith.

Q & A

What is Il Gesu known for?

Il Gesu is the mother church of the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits, and is significant for its role in the Catholic Counter-Reformation.

Who founded the Society of Jesus?

The Society of Jesus was founded by Ignatius of Loyola, a Spanish noble focused on preaching and converting people to Catholicism.

What historical events influenced the architectural design of Il Gesu?

The Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation significantly influenced the architectural design, as the Catholic Church sought to reassert its supremacy in response to Protestant challenges.

What architectural shape does Il Gesu deviate from?

Il Gesu deviates from the traditional cruciform shape of a basilica, opting for a centrally planned church layout.

What was decided at the Council of Trent regarding church architecture?

The Council of Trent determined that the Catholic Church needed clarity in art and a direct message, leading to changes in church design that emphasized accessibility and engagement.

How does the design of Il Gesu facilitate worship?

The design of Il Gesu focuses on the altar, holding large numbers of worshippers, and has side chapels instead of traditional side aisles, which enhances the communal experience of the Eucharist.

What classical influences are present in Il Gesu's architecture?

Il Gesu's architecture features classical elements, such as fluted pilasters with Corinthian capitals, a barrel vault, and references to ancient Roman architecture like the Pantheon.

What does the ceiling of Il Gesu depict?

The ceiling of Il Gesu, painted by the Baroque artist Gaulli, depicts the name of Jesus surrounded by angels and figures that create an illusion of three-dimensionality.

What is the significance of the initials IHS in Il Gesu?

The initials IHS symbolize the name of Jesus and are a central theme in the church's decoration, highlighting the power of Jesus' name in achieving salvation.

How does the artist create an illusion of depth in the ceiling painting?

The artist uses foreshortening and shadow techniques to create a convincing illusion that figures are floating above, enhancing the sense of miraculous experience for the viewer.