Tuesday, November 19, 2013

San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane

where: Via del Quirinale, 23
getting there: nearest metro stop Linea A/Repubblica
hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00-13:00, Sunday 12:00-13:00 

San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane is a church near the four late-Renaissance fountains at the crossing of  Via della Quattro Fontane and Via del Quirinale.
The Baroque church was designed by Francesco Borromini in 1634 was and one of his first solo commissions funded by Cardinal Francesco Barberini who lived in the nearby palace.

The church, visited by people mainly interested in the architecture by Borromini, also has some interesting altarpieces.
In the small first chapel of the Crucifixion, on the right of the entrance, are three painting by Giuseppe Milanese from 1653.
The next chapel on the right holds a canvas dating from 1847 by the Florentine female artist, Amalia de Angelis.
The main altarpiece is from the 17th century by French painter Pierre Mignard, it shows Saint Charles Borromeo and Saints.
At the left altar is the Ecstasy of Saint John the Baptist by Prospero Mallerini from 1819.

main altar Pierre Mignard


Two notable paintings that were once in the sacristy are the giant canvases of Saint Ursula, and the Holy Family with Saints Agnes and Catherine of Alexandria that hang in the corridor leading to the cloisters.
To find these enter through the doorway at the right of the main altar and head towards the signs leading to the crypt.
The paintings, by Giovanni Domenico Cerrini, are beautiful and it is a shame that they seem so hidden away.
Giovanni Domenico Cerrini

Giovanni Domenico Cerrini


crypt

Artists in San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane
Pierre Mignard
Amalia de Angelis
Giuseppe Milanese
Orazio Borgianni
Giovanni Francesco Romanelli
Prospero Mallerini


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These are a few of my favourite books about Rome

The Cardinal's Hat by Mary Hollingsworth
This book tells the story of one of the sons of Lucrezia Borgia who became a cardinal during the 16th century.

The Tigress of Forli by Elizabeth Lev
I love this book telling the story of Caterina Sforza who was fighting against the Borgia pope to retain the rights of her land and her freedom.

The Popes by John Julius Norwich
A detailed but easy and enjoyable book to read about the history of the papacy and the popes.

The Pope's Daughter by Caroline P Murphy
This book describes in beautiful detail, the life and times of Pope Julius II daughter, Felice della Rovere.

The Families Who Made Rome by Anthony Majanlahti
I love this Book! It explains the families who made Rome what it is as we see it today and also looks at their triumphs, scandals and failures.

Rome by Robert Hughes
This book explains Rome from its beginning and expands on the Renaissance and Baroque until present times.

The Lost Painting by Jonathan Harr
Another of my favourite reads about a lost Caravaggio painting and the search for its provenance.





other sites I trust for information on Rome are:
Rome Art Lover
Churches of Rome wiki