In Search of Eternity: Painting on and with Stone in Rome. Itinerary

Canvas was only reluctantly adopted in Rome, and from 1530 until the 17th century, many altarpieces were instead painted on stone. Sebastiano del Piombo invented the technique in his monumental Nativity of the Virgin for the Chigi Chapel in Santa Maria del Popolo. This book presents a selection of the most significant stone altarpieces in Rome, including San Marcello al Corso, S. Maria della Vallicella, S. Caterina dei Funari, San Silvestro al Quirinale, Santa Maria della Pace, and Santa Maria Maggiore.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 88 pages
Publication date: 13 February 2023
Publisher: Officina Libraria

The use of canvas as a pictorial support in Rome was initially adopted reluctantly, and even in the 17th century, it was not universally employed. However, from 1530 to the first decade of the 17th century, a significant shift occurred in the artistic approach to altarpieces in Rome. Instead of relying solely on canvas, many artists chose to paint them on stone, particularly on slate. The invention of this technique is attributed to Sebastiano del Piombo (1485–1547), who utilized it in his monumental Nativity of the Virgin for the Chigi Chapel in Santa Maria del Popolo.

This book serves as a comprehensive guide to some of the most significant stone altarpieces found in Rome. It showcases a diverse range of artistic styles and techniques, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the city. Among the featured altarpieces are San Marcello al Corso (Federico Zuccari), S. Maria della Vallicella (Rubens), S. Caterina dei Funari (Girolamo Muziano), San Silvestro al Quirinale (Scipione Pulzone), Santa Maria della Pace (Lavinia Fontana), and Santa Maria Maggiore (Girolamo Siciolante).

Each of these altarpieces is a masterpiece in its own right, showcasing the skill and creativity of the artists who created them. The choice of stone as the medium adds a sense of permanence and grandeur to the artworks, emphasizing their religious significance and the importance of the sacred space they occupy.

The inclusion of these stone altarpieces in this guide provides a valuable insight into the artistic development of Rome during the 16th and 17th centuries. It showcases the evolution of artistic styles, the influence of different artists, and the cultural values that were cherished during this period. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a historian, or simply someone interested in the beauty of religious art, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to explore the rich heritage of stone altarpieces in Rome.

Dimension: 200 x 250 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788833672090