No visit to Rome would be complete without a stop at this august church to admire, among many things, the sculpture of Bernini.

I happened upon this favorite church on my recent visit just as mass was wrapping up and I had to surreptitiously take some of these pictures, which accounts for their poor framing. Luckily, my iPhone camera takes good pictures, in terms of color and sharpness, no matter how bad the aim.

 

 

 

 

What I had not realized on earlier trips is how the artist arranged this chapel as a theater box.  You must remember I spent most of my art history career studying American art, so I hope I can be forgiving for not knowing a lot of details of this great Italian Baroque period.  I am an avid student of the Baroque now, so I am filling in the gaps in my understanding, work by work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The high altar of the church was later made to imitate Bernini’s spectacular sculptural group.

 

 

And, on the other side of the church, directly opposite to Bernini’s chapel, is this companion sculptural arrangement.  Bernini is a tough act to follow.

 

 

 

Before departing, I had a last long look at the amazing ceiling of this lovely church.