St. Martin, Bamberg: Illusionistic Cupola

Posted by MadScientist (Düsseldorf, Germany) on 15 October 2009 in Art & Design.

This image of the artistic trickery in St. Martin (Bamberg), showing an illusionistic cupola in the wake of Andrea Pozzo was executed by Giovanni Francesco Marchini in 1716. If you would see this fresco from the right angle it would be perspectively correct.

I'm posting this picture to give you an easy opportunity for comparing it with yesterday's shot. The one you can see here is ca. 55 years older, and while the one from yesterday tells a story, this one here is a pure visual effect.

Sorry that I couldn't visit many blogs the last days, too much work and no play. Hope this will change soon.

Download my coffee-table book of selected postings here. Enjoy!

Comments (13)

dj.tigersprout from New York City, United States

beautifully done!! excellent detail and framing!

15 Oct 2009 1:24pm

@dj.tigersprout: You'll like the rest of it, too. :-)

B.Held from Santa Fe, United States

Everything about this is completely beautiful.

15 Oct 2009 2:42pm

@B.Held: The most stunning painting in this illusionist technique - in my opinion - can be found in Il Gesù, Rome.

Laurie from New Jersey, United States

This and the previous shot are excellent. Clever how this one is employed.

15 Oct 2009 3:31pm

@Laurie: This false cupola technique was often used especially in Jesuit churches.

Steven from Chicagoland, United States

Beautiful representation of foreshortening!

15 Oct 2009 5:07pm

@Steven: I think to reveal the trick is at least as interesting as demonstrating it. :)

Batkoï from Salon de Provence, France

marvellous view

15 Oct 2009 5:40pm

@Batkoï: Cheers, Batkoï!

Ted from South Wales, United Kingdom

stunning MS!

15 Oct 2009 9:10pm

@Ted: Thanks, Ted!

akarui from Kagoshima, Japan

Beautiful framing of that ceiling. Interesting painting and illusion.

16 Oct 2009 12:48am

@akarui: Often used to save money. :-)

JoeB from Brampton, Canada

Even though this work was done earlier, I was instantly reminded of M.C. Escher.

16 Oct 2009 1:13am

@JoeB: Escher certainly learned a lot of the old masters, working out opposite results.

Philip from Cowbridge, United Kingdom

I'm always amazed at the workmanship of these artists. Beautiful painting and great crop by the way. I'm going to look at yesterday's post now!

16 Oct 2009 9:45pm

@Philip: Make yourself at home. :-)

Japanalia from Yokohama, Japan

The trick is most interesting! I'm sure that seen with a naked eye by a visitor this would have a fantastic effect! (I think it is no need to comment on the quality of the shots, because they are all so well executed! All interested delight in your presentations!!!!)

17 Oct 2009 5:49am

@Japanalia: Thanks a lot, Gabriela! This illusionistic design school was a class of masters. It's always amazing to see how their tricks still work after several centuries.