San Giovanni Battista de' Fiorentini

Posted by MadScientist (Düsseldorf, Germany) on 12 July 2008 in Architecture.

Another look into the church we were visiting yesterday, and today I've got its name correct - at least the website of its parish should know!

I'm not completely sure if this is the altar dedicated to Philip Neri, but it was the most prominent one after the High Altar we've seen yesterday. Neri was - like Charles Borromeo and Ignatius of Loyola - another important character of the Counter-Reformation. He's subject of many anecdotes.

When he got canonized in 1622 together with Ignatius of Loyola, Franz Xaver, Theresa of Ávila und Isidor of Sevilla, a quote circulated in Rome, saying that four Spanish and one Saint were elevated to the honour of apotheosis. :-)

Comments (8)

Michael Skorulski from Cigel, Slovakia

Love the stained glass!

12 Jul 2008 1:05am

@Michael Skorulski: Not many windows there! Most of the light came through the cupola.

Margie from Auckland, New Zealand

I love the beautiful rich colours in this.

12 Jul 2008 6:25am

@Margie: Thanks! This church has a quite artful 'light direction'.

Laurie from New Jersey, United States

Beautiful rich colors.

12 Jul 2008 12:00pm

@Laurie: Thanks, Laurie! Since there's not much natural light, they have to be imaginative to set up the most effective light.

Observing from West Cheshire, United Kingdom

The details of the altar are very clear, good work under such difficult conditions.

12 Jul 2008 2:12pm

@Observing: Thanks, Mike! I did many of my church shots in the late afternoon / early evening because I hate to get up early. I'm not a man for the morning ;-)

Marie from FRESNES, France

jolies couleurs.

12 Jul 2008 3:30pm

@Marie: Merci beaucoup, Marie!

Twelvebit from Victoria, United States

Love that glass.

14 Jul 2008 11:12am

@Twelvebit: Just learned that this is called 'fanlight'.

Japanalia from Yokohama, Japan

In that warm light and rich decor, the icon of the Virgin and Child appear almost ghostly. Could you see how it was lit up? And the upper stained glass function as the Heavens....or at least this is how it comes over to the viewer. I find all these details most interesting!

15 Jul 2008 2:33am

@Japanalia: Yes, there's a tricky light direction. I don't remember how it was set up but I think there are some light spots at the surrounding walls installed. This is very effective, and the fanlight above the altar enhances that effect.