Baldacchino (1624-1633)
Bernini
St. Peter's Basilica
Gilt bronze
About 100 feet high
St. Peter’s Basilica is designed to be centered around the Papal Altar, which is where only the Pope celebrates Mass. The ancient tomb of St. Peter lies directly below the altar. Rising above the altar is the magnificent bronze baldacchino, which was Bernini’s first piece of work in St. Peter’s. In total, it took nine years for Bernini to create the monument. The canopy rests atop four massive spiral columns, around 66 feet high, which are ornamented with branches of olive and bay along with cherubs. The twisted columns suggest upward movement towards the canopy. Above the frieze on each capital are four life-size angels offering garlands. Between the four main angels are couples of smaller angels that support the Pope’s emblems: the keys, the tiara, the book and the sword. The structure is detailed with motifs including heraldic emblems of the Barberini family, including bees and laurel leaves. The underside of the canopy directly above the pope is a radiant sun, which is another symbol of the Barberini family.
Resources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter's_baldachin
http://saintpetersbasilica.org/Altars/PapalAltar/PapalAltar.htm
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