Day 23 Thursday July 28

This morning we visited the Church of Sant' Ignazio, a jesuit church which rivals the Gesu. In the vaulting of the nave and apse are beautiful paintings which apply the quadratura technique, which uses painted architectural elements to provide illusionistic decorations on the walls and ceilings. We also visited Santa Maria del Popolo. On the North transept are 3 popular works of the art. The two on the side walls were produced by Caravaggio and depict the Crucifixion of Saint Peter and the Conversion of Saint Paul. In the first Peter is shown nailed to the cross but what is most interesting is the way the 3 executioners were able to elevate it. In the Conversion of Saint Paul our eyes are drawn to the horse who steps over Paul. These two pieces are strong examples of naturalism. In the center is the Assumption painted in a much different style by Annibale Carraci. Also found in the tomb is the monument commemorating Theresa Peizer. After class we stopped for pizza and later that night went to Lime Bar and La Maison's "Pool Party" by the river.