Approaching the divine, Il Gesù, Rome

Il Gesù (Church of the Most Holy Name of Jesus at the Argentina), Rome, 1568-75; Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola and Giacomo della Porta (architects); Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Baciccio), Triumph of the Name of Jesus, 1672-83, fresco
speakers: Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker

[@johnAsanz]

I'm not usually a big fan of the flamboyant Baroque, I find it often just too over the top however this is something else. Truly remarkable indeed.

[@i_am_a_music_maker5212]

Well this is mannerist, not baroque, and I would go as far as to call it more over the top than most baroque churches

[@amindatua8631]

The voices of the curators are soothing thus making the video even more interesting.

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

I hear their voices as I fall asleep now...

[@Devils-advocate78]

Some of my favourite art in Rome is this ceiling. Wandered in here one day not knowing what was inside and that ceiling blew me away. Still does. Walked miles yday and finally got there at 5:45 in the pouring rain to show my kids this ceiling. I’m going home in a couple of hours n so glad we made it. I always come here when in Rome. A hidden gem you don’t hear much talk of

[@pinkfloyd111]

wow, truly amazing 3D, ancient VR church.

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

That decoration of the ceiling is incredible...the painted shadows...incredible art.

[@kev8346]

My favorite team! I love dr beths voice! The ceiling looks unreal. Another great video doctors, thank you!

[@kik9a]

Thank you again. I really like to watch your videos, im addicted to them. This one reminded me of a video you did about Saint Ignazio churh celling made by Andrea Pozzo, the perspectice making the building seem higher to the havens.

[@doncarlodivargas5497]

And how two persons are kind of taking to each other, describing what they see is pure genius, really a quality channel, many KZbinrs could learn from this channel

[@katsujyu]

im addicted too! and maybe this is one of the best episodes so far

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

Also addicted! The context they cover with each artwork and amount of info in such short videos is really good

[@johnmonkus4600]

The pilaster capitals of the interior walls of Gesù are actually composite capitals. They have the egg and dart between the volutes on the corners, like ionic capitals.

[@rohann7579]

You guys did a great job describing the church thank you

[@brianpite0893]

Beautiful! Thanks for the presentation

[@finz5852]

If you’re going Italy this place is a must, nothing blew my mind seeing this in person than anything esle I saw in Rome

[@steveb533]

i somehow missed this when i was in rome a few years ago. thanks alot tripadvisor!

[@garrisoncorley9743]

thanks coach kates

[@tattianasalles3019]

Look at those cieling frescos! It's almost a 3D movie.

[@G12GilbertProduction]

Those plan of basilica sculpture is remind me a St. Father Pio architectonical plans of Holy Nicean Cross.

[@hanaiyax]

Thank you! Love your voices

[@smarthistory-art-history]

Thank you for the kind comment.

[@creepinwhileyousleepin]

absolutely incredible

[@maypenja2819]

The interior of that building is awesome! Imagine what it must have been like, back in the day, as an ordinary person to walk into that church. You just left behind the dirty smelly streets. The air inside is full of incense. There are priests and altar boys wearing the most colorful and elaborate robes all around you. Music is coming from a huge pipe organ and a choir is singing. You have very little formal education and there is almost no criticism of religion to be heard in public. Experiencing all of that would probably cause you to fall to your knees. I don't even believe gods and I am saying that! The powers that be definitely know how to manipulate people. It never ends, but at least there is some beautiful art to appreciate!

[@MikeLeeee]

Genial .

[@Leo-iv5um]

I love your videos

[@monkeygraborange]

Really all you need is to believe in something bigger than yourself.

[@kentwang44]

In addition to the painted shadows, the clouds are painted as if they're semi-translucent and you can "see" the gold vault behind. The sculptures of Pierre Le Gros on the left transept are also worth a look. And the "baroque machine" that reveals the silver sculpture of St Ignatius. There's so much going on in this church!

[@noealvarado3886]

Amazing 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@Juak05]

Realistic graphics

[@nathanielscreativecollecti6392]

Looks like I have to go back to Rome! What a shame.

[@CreativeWorldPH]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Sasha0927]

No standing in the middle of the street before running inside this time? 😂 Good Lord, that initial view of the church's interior blew me away. Smarthistory's ruining church for me forever! lol. I wasn't just "struck by the breadth of the nave," I couldn't decide what to be struck by... I want to walk into this place candlelit and alone. What an experience that would be.

[@smarthistory-art-history]

This church is not to be missed, especially for fans of the Baroque.

[@Sasha0927]

@@smarthistory-art-history Das me.. lol. 🥰 I can't tell you how mutedly excited I am for the next playlist. And even the vague prospect of visiting places like this someday has brought magic to my life. I'm in love.

[@davidramos4707]

Can you guys please do Cremona Cathedral?

[@smarthistory-art-history]

We hope to one day.

[@doncarlodivargas5497]

They build a church with everything, gold and pictures and everything, all meant to impress, and then they put in that little door? Why? Shouldn't the door been really big?

[@doncarlodivargas5497]

@Mongoose Man - really? Is that the reason? The architect suddenly use the bible for guidance on how to build a church?

[@johnAsanz]

Bigger the door, the bigger the draft.

[@scoopityboop]

I guess so that when you enter the church it makes bigger impression. Considering the crowds that would enter for sermons, they would probably have to walk in very slowly through that door, so they’d take more time to take it all in when they finally get inside

[@doncarlodivargas5497]

@@scoopityboop - the old «make the house bigger by making the door smaller» trick? Could be, i only think the church would have looked better with a bigger door, but that's me

[@tonita88]

The main door is the height of at least four people stacked. It's enough. This church is much smaller compared to St. Peter's basilica or even Santa Maria Maggiore. Smaller church, smaller door.

[@Happy_HIbiscus]

loyola was a basque person not spanish