A Reconsideration of the Development of the Piazza del Popolo inthe Reign of Alexander VII (1655-1667) Open Access

Abstract

During the seventeenth century, the Piazza del Popolo, which was located at the main ceremonial entrance of Rome, was one of the most important public spaces in the city. Yet, at the start of Pope Alexander VII's reign, the space was marred by impoverished domestic structures, common gardens, and laundry fountains. The architectural transformation of the piazza counted as one of Alexander VII's most important urban projects and culminated in the construction of two twin churches, Santa Maria di Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli. This thesis examines the conceptual development of the Piazza del Popolo and addresses several challenges in the design history of the project. First, it evaluates the evidence for Gianlorenzo Bernini's early participation in an unrealized project to build porticos in the square. A reconsideration of the graphic and documentary sources lends greater support to Bernini's direction of the earliest phase of the project. Second, this thesis considers reasons why Pope Alexander VII abandoned this portico project and assigned responsibility for the twin churches to a new architect, Carlo Rainaldi. Third, the role of the religious orders located in the Piazza del Popolo is reevaluated. The contribution of the Carmelites and Franciscans has been obscured by the emphasis on Alexander VII's urban projects, but both papal initiative and the influence of local institutions are considered in this essay. Finally, this essay offers new suggestions about Rainaldi's presentation drawing for the twin churches (Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Chigi PVII 13 ff. 26v-27r). An analysis of the drawing reveals an elaborate conceit for the twin churches articulated during the planning phase. Considered in tandem with various inscriptions for the twin churches, this drawing points to Alexander VII's literary interests and adds an iconographic dimension to the study of the Piazza del Popolo.

Table of Contents

I. Introduction to the Problems and Literature of the Piazza del Popolo 1

II. Early Planning: The Role of Gianlorenzo Bernini 8

III. The Emergence of the Twin Churches in the Urban Design 20

IV. The Presentation Drawing of 1657/58: Rainaldi's Concetto and Architectural Sources 26

V. Alexander VII's Chirograph, Carlo Fontana, and the Construction of the Twin Churches 33

Catalog of Drawings 46

Bibliography 60

Figures

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Laney Graduate School
Department	Art History
Degree	MA
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Art History
Keyword	Urbanism Architecture Rome
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	McPhee, Sarah, Emory University
Committee Members	Rohrer, Judith, Emory University

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