Page 35 - 4606

spective, different from the last, yet symmetrical in its own right. Every
step offers new views and varied decoration, from the standard statues oc-
cupying alcoves to the novel curls of stone buttressing the high dome.

Reinventing the Vatican
Yet perhaps the best example of Baroque architecture in Italy is at
Rome itself. At the heart of the Vatican stands the Basilica of St Peter.

This impressive structure reached its current state at the hands of Baroque
architects.
To the left and right a massive colonnade, designed by Bernini, cre-
ates a panoramic effect, drawing the eye ever onward to the basilica at its

center. Along the top of this colonnade a series of statues break up the sil-
houette, providing variety even as it flanks the basilica with symmetrical
wings.

The facade of the Basilica itself, designed by Maderna, is its own little
wonder. Here we can see the variety of Baroque architecture in full swing.
Like the colonnade, the skyline of Maderna's facade is broken at intervals

by statues and other decorations.
Yet Maderna goes further, mixing up styles by alternating square col-
umns with round ones. Likewise, the pediments over the windows and

doors also alternate between rounded and triangular designs. Indeed, there
are almost as many types of doors and windows as there are doors and
windows.
Yet all this exuberant variety is regulated and controlled to create

symmetry, as each novel design on the right is echoed by a similar design
to the left. The overall effect is as grand and orderly as it is picturesque
and visually fascinating.

Yet the Baroque is not just limited to the exterior. Connecting St Pe-
ter's basilica to the Apostolic Palace lies an impressive staircase designed
by Bernini, called the Scala Regia, or the 'Stairs of the Queen.' Bernini's
staircase shrinks to a vanishing point, making the staircase seem longer

and higher than it really is.
In this respect, at least, Bernini was attempting something that had not
been tried since classical times: weaving optical illusion into architectural

design to fool the eye into seeing something as even grander and larger
than it is.
Thus, in Italy, we've seen the foundation of themes that would repeat

again and again in Baroque architecture: the use of curves, the introduction
of irregular decoration and design, the subordination of irregularity to

35