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 Caravaggio masterpiece, The
Calling of St. Matthew by Lacristina
The photo is of one of the three famous Caravaggio masterpieces – paintings on the life of St. Matthew, which marked a turning point in his career. This is the “Calling of St. Matthew” and shows the masterful technique for which Caravaggio is so famous – the use of light and dark – which so many followers imitated. Note the dark void between Christ (with the halo) and St. Peter, and Matthew the tax collector and his colleagues. And see how the dramatically lit hand of Christ visually and metaphorically crosses the void as he calls Matthew, and Matthew seems to say, “Who, me?”
The earliest of the three paintings is the one on the right, “The Martyrdom of St. Matthew”. The last was the altar piece "The Inspiration of St. Matthew." Matthew, one of the four gospel writers, as was customary, is pictured with an angel, just as Luke is usually pictured with an ox, John with an Eagle and Mark with a lion.
See this website for better reproductions of these and other works of Caravaggio.
http://www.wga.hu/index1.html<br />
Near the chapel, the church has placed a small display and explanation of the paintings in French, Italian and English.
The church (facade designed by Giacomo della Porta) is dedicated to St. Louis IX, king and patron saint of France, who lead the crusades. But the facade isn't stylistically representative of della Porta. It is relatively austere and static compared to Il Gesu'. One of my knowledgeable friends wonders if the French commission required something more sedate.
Address: 5 Piazza San Luigi dei Francesi / Via Santa Giovanna d'Arco. Between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to noon - 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. Leave a Comment Phone: 06-688-271
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In the swanky area of Via Venetto, just off Piazza Barberini, is a little church, Santa Maria della Concezione that would not be distinguishable from the hundreds of Roman churches if it wasn’t for its crypt. What’s special about that? All the ornaments are made with bones of deceased monks of the capuchins order. It is at the same time horrific, beautiful, funny and thought-provoking. It seems like the main goal of the “decorator” and the capuchins was to display Men’s Vanity. The entrance is free but a donation is appreciated. Leave a Comment
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 Apse Mosaic at Santa
Prassede by Lacristina
The picture I've included is of the apse mosaic behind the main alter. My camera couldn't do justice to the Chapel of St. Zeno, to the right of the altar as you face it. Bring along some .50 euro coins to turn on the lights and be prepared to be delighted. It is literally like stepping inside a jeweled box. The mosaics date from the 9th century and are in the Byzantine style, which is uncommon in Rome. You'll see a resemblance to the mosaics of Santa Cecelia in Trastevere if you go there.
You'll also find a broken marble pillar, said to have been brought back to Rome by St. Helen, the mother of Constantine, the first Christian Roman Emperer. It is supposed to be the pillar at which Jesus was scourged before he was crucified.
The floor, which is 20th century, is still an exquisite version of the Cosmati floors.
If you take a look at the photo, you'll see most of the halos are round - but the one on the far left is square. This indicates that the person being represented wasn't dead at the time the mosaic was being completed.
Address: 9/a Via de Santa Prassede/Via San Martino ai Monti
Normally open daily 07.30-12.00 and 16.00-18.30.
For more information check out:
Santa Prassede Leave a Comment Phone: 06 48 82 456
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 St-Peter, seen from
Keyhole. by melissa_belLeave a Comment
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The Basilica San Giovanni is here - the first seat of the Pope and the site of the huge sculptures of the 12 apostles. Here also you will find the Shrine of the Holy Stairs - Santa Scala - and one of the oldest images of Christ - given the name of Acheropita because, according to legend, it was miraculously painted without human intervention. It is the Christian custom to climb the Holy Stairs on ones knees and you can expect to see pilgrims ascending the stairs if you visit. There was, for me, an unmistakable aura of reverence and sanctity inside this shrine. Phone: 06 7726641 Passionist Missionary
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 by Pieter11
Address:
27 Via Veneto
00187 Roma
Tel. 06 45 28 50 Leave a Comment
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The church is all about St Francis of Assisi. It was built by Giuseppe Sardi and it shows the influence of Borromini in decoration which is rich, but at the same time poor as it does not make use of marble or other expensive materials - true to the simplicity of the Franciscans.
St. Francis resided here for some time when he came to Rome to gain recognition for his order. Built in 1231, the church replaced a previous one dedicated to S. Biagio. The façade (photo 1) is by Bernini scholar Mattia de Rossi.
The interior is stunning and the altar is a shrine to St Francis (photos 2 and 3).
Here to the left of the altar you will see a late work by Bernini (photo 4), where he shows once again his mastery in Blessed Ludovica Albertoni, reminiscent of Bernini's Ecstasy of Santa Teresa in the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria. A beautiful dome graces the chapel to the left of the sculpture.
Inside the friary (photo 5) a series of frescoes painted by Fra' Emanuele da Como in 1684-86 celebrate the Franciscan order.
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The church of Santa Maria della Vittoria holds one of Bernini's most famous works: The Ecstasy of St.Teresa in the Cornaro chapel(the fourth on the left).
This Art Gem is more visited now because it is mentioned in the Angels & Demons book by Dan Brown.
Located on Via XX Settembre 17, not far from Piazza della Repubblica and Via Veneto, can be visited from 8.30 till 11am and from 3.30 till 6pm but I suggest to call ahead and check. Leave a Comment
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 Cloister w/view of Christ
& Cross atop Basilica by icunme,
4 more photos |
 by monorailgold
If you visit, you are expected to make a donation but may stay as long as you wish. Bring small change because the ladies in charge of the gift shop will not make change for you. Also, they do not allow pictures taken, with or without flash. They close the entire museum if someone takes a picture. The crypt is open 9-6 with a break from noon til 3. Visit it if you wish, but just be warned, this is some really weird stuff!!!
It is easy to find. If you are in the Piazza Barberini just head up the Via Venato. It is on the right hand side of the street about 3 minutes from the piazza. You must go up the stairs to enter the church. There is a small gift shop inside if you wish to purchase post cards of the displays. Leave a Comment
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