Geometry and motion in Borromini's San Carlo

[@Eudaimonia88]

Fabulous commentary from these excellent art historians.

[@smarthistory-art-history]

Thank you.

[@ultraali453]

Thank you again for your high-quality content on historic buildings.

[@smarthistory-art-history]

So glad you find our work useful. Thanks for reaching out.

[@ervinwegscheid6193]

I can say that this is my favorite church in Rome for one simple reason. I lived here for 4 years. I spent hours checking out every door and nook and cranny. I wish I were still there.

[@michaelgpartridge2384]

I appreciate you saying this. I may well never get to see it in person - but this held a fascination for me in art school that trumped nearly everything else I was I introduced to - it is not very famous, but I have been captivated by it for over a decade. Thanks for validating my taste!

[@catherinechiara8944]

I've been to this glorious church but this video has opened my eyes to more of it's beauty. Thank you!

[@gsom3615]

Borromini is my favorite architect of the period, his implementation of geometric design is amazing

[@bigtimefans100]

_I love this man._ His work was exquisite, to say the least! This church definitely gave me chills!

[@irafa2]

This is exquisite, to say the least! I went to Rome and missed this one but is in my check list for my next visit.

[@kiaralynch4724]

This is such a good analysis.Thankyou!

[@katedeleon5861]

I read the life of Borromini. he was described as a melancholic person, having depressive episodes because he often felt that his work was not good enough, even comparing himself to the infamous architect Bernini. He rivalled and quarrelled with him so much and struggled with his insecurities that it led to his death by his own sword.

[@L-mo]

Fabulous, over the top, jewel of a building.

[@gandhirocks]

I believe the oval shape is also related to Kepler in the discovery of elliptical orbits. The fact that this dome is similar to the dome of the Pantheon, which portrayed the perfect spherical nature of the heavens, leads me to believe that Borromini was showing us that the oval/ellipse is also a depiction of perfection in the heavens!

[@3John-Bishop]

Mind blowing.

[@gandhirocks]

@@3John-Bishop Thanks! I have been holding onto that theory since grad school in 1998 just waiting for this video to come out!

[@mirtacalcagno9260]

Sono rimasta senza parole .Un Grande .Fantástico.

[@AMorgan57]

First I've heard of the mandorla. Thanks!

[@rjpennypacker1085]

as usual...top notch-thank you

[@peanutschatzie4129]

My favorite Roman church :D

[@rafaelcarvalho3928]

Very nice video

[@Sasha0927]

That first view of the interior ALONE... I can only imagine walking inside (for now). I wonder if there was more to the undulations and "movement" of this place than just the aesthetic. Edit: I think Dr. Zucker was onto something when he mentioned the resemblance to an ocean's movement. The Holy Spirit is often perceived as "flowing" or "being poured out" - moving along the waters in the story of creation. Lots of association to water (and its movement)!

[@rwg5387]

I would appreciate it if anyone could provide a citation to the recent art historical study dealing with the relationship between the mandola and the design of San Carlo.

[@paulojorgegoncalvescarvalh6250]

Maravilhosa!!!

[@danthiel8623]

Yes

[@g.h.2588]

Ein Juwel 😮❤❤❤

[@maydanlex]

I’ve passed by the church far too often without going in…this will change because of the video

[@sebolddaniel]

I shot fifty churches in Rome, and this wasn't in my Lonely Planet. You make me feel so bad.

[@michaelgpartridge2384]

I cannot believe this treasure is not more well known!

[@zoran.rosendahl]

Flabbergasting

[@schoolstudio7915]

This unique architectural model is very impressive, but I feel it is thirsty for some sculptures to decorating it . It deserves to be more than just a place for pray .

[@Khomann]

I think that it is less to do with the lack of sculptures and more to do with the lack of color. It creates an odd atmosphere of blandness despite the ornamentation. However, I think this is also a plus as a white backdrop allows the geometrical genius of the structure to become the focal point of the eye.

[@schoolstudio7915]

@@Khomann I think they chose this mode due to considerations of light reflection .

[@temptemp563]

V g