Baldachin
AUTHOR
Luigi Vanvitelli (1700-1773) (Architect); Felice Sciffone (blacksmith); Lucino Celladini (carpenter); Agostino Ancidoni (locksmith)
PLACE DATE
Italy, Rome, 1749-1750
MATERIALS
Cast, chased and gilt copper
DIMENSIONS
275 X 275 X 92 cm
INV
MPR.35
This baldachin, made in Rome for the chapel of St. John the Baptist from instructions sent from Lisbon, was a fundamental piece of the ceremonial and apparatus associated with the Church of São Roque.
Appearing in the Middle Ages, the baldachin, an object between architecture and sculpture, was designed to cover (and protect) the altar table where the Eucharist was celebrated.
The decoration of this work is eminently symbolic, as can be seen by the presence of the dove of the Holy Spirit at the centre of a halo surrounded by clouds, on the inside of the ceiling. It also shows a great affinity with the textile world, mimicking the morphology of the side valances, which are cut out in profile and finished off with tassels.
