Francesco Borromini was a key figure in Roman Baroque architecture, known for his inventive and unique style. Influenced by Michelangelo, he incorporated geometric designs and symbolic meanings in his buildings. Despite his talent, his career was hindered by his melancholic and temperamental personality, leading to his suicide in 1667. While his influence was not widespread initially, his work later inspired architects in Northern Europe and Piedmont. Borromini's innovative architecture has gained appreciation since the late nineteenth century.
Francesco Borromini, a Baroque architect known for his innovative architectural designs and rivalry with Gianlorenzo Bernini, was born in a town near Lugano on September 25, 1559.
Francesco Borromini was born on September 25, 1599. He was an Italian architect known for his innovative and dynamic Baroque style.
In 1608, Borromini was sent to Milan by his father to learn stonecutting, where he was introduced to the craft specialities of architecture.
In 1620, Francesco Borromini started working in Rome, influenced by artists like Carlo Maderno. He dedicated himself to architecture, collaborating with Maderno on various projects.
In 1626, Borromini officially founded his architectural career. He collaborated with Bernini on various projects, including designing the canopy over St. Peter's burial place.
Originally belonging to the Jesuit order, the Palazzo di Propaganda Fide was reconstructed by Bernini in 1627 and later continued by Borromini after the death of Pope Urban VIII. Today, it houses the museum of the missionary Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
In 1629, Francesco Borromini changed his name from Castelli to Borromini after fleeing to Rome without informing his parents.
In 1631, Francesco Borromini left the Palazzo Barberini project due to disagreements with the patron and the involvement of Pietro da Cortona. He then focused on designing the baldachin in St. Peter's Basilica with Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
In 1632, Spada bought a building from Cardinal Pietro Paolo Mignanelli and immediately started the reconstruction, with Borromini overseeing the works. The famous Galleria Spada was transformed with optical illusions, including a corridor that appears four times longer and a statue that seems three times larger.
In 1633, Francesco Borromini established himself as an independent architect, changing his name to Borromini. This marked the beginning of his solo career and the start of his unique architectural style.
In 1634, Borromini received his first major independent commission to design the church, cloister and monastic buildings of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane. The church is considered a masterpiece of Roman Baroque architecture and is remarkably small yet significant.
In January 1637, Borromini was appointed as the architect of the Oratory of Saint Phillip Neri. He contributed to the completion and design of the oratory, which featured a striking brick curved facade and a white interior with a ribbed vault.
Francesco Borromini designed the San Carlo Alle Quattro Fontane, showcasing a combination of basilica, central, and cross plans to create a distinctive dome structure.
After thirteen years of work, Borromini completed the oratory of Saint Phillip Neri, characterized by a striking facade and a complex rhythm of pilasters.
Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, a Catholic church in Rome, was designed by Francesco Borromini, featuring a unique dome resembling a flower-like structure with a lantern supported by Corinthian columns.
Three years after finishing the oratory, Borromini completed the library of the church of Saint Phillip Neri.
San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane is one of the notable works by Francesco Borromini, an Italian architect from the Baroque period.
In 1647, Francesco Borromini secured the commission to design the renovation of Piazza Navona. This project led to a public disagreement with his rival Bernini, who presented a more elaborate project for the same site.
In 1648, Borromini was appointed as the architect of the chapel, which was a late work in his career. Construction of the chapel began in 1660 under his direction.
Francesco Borromini was responsible for restoring the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano from 1650 until his death. He reconstructed the bronze doors of the Curia Iulia and designed the niches of the main aisle, along with statues of saints and prophets.
Bernini completed the Four Rivers Fountain in Piazza Navona in 1651, which stands opposite Sant’Agnese in Agone, a church designed by Borromini after 1652.
The decision to rebuild the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone was taken in 1652 as part of Pope Innocent X's project to enhance the Piazza Navona. The original plans for a Greek Cross church were drawn up by Girolamo Rainaldi and his son Carlo Rainaldi, but Borromini was later appointed to complete the design.
Pope Innocent X passed away in 1655, leading to Borromini losing his commission for the completion of Sant’Agnese in Agone.
In 1657, Borromini resigned from the project and Carlo Rainaldi was recalled to make significant changes to the design of the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone.
Francesco Borromini designed the arcaded courtyard of Palazzo Spada in Rome in 1660, featuring an optical illusion using forced perspective to create a longer gallery appearance.
Borromini was appointed as the architect of the chapel in 1648, but construction did not begin until 1660. The main construction work was completed by 1665, with some decoration finished posthumously.
Francesco Borromini passed away in Rome at the age of 67. He was known for his unique Baroque architectural designs, particularly for San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane.
Francesco Borromini passed away on August 3, 1667. He left behind a legacy of groundbreaking architectural designs that continue to inspire architects and artists.
Francesco Borromini suffered from severe depression before completing San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, leading him to destroy all future designs and commit suicide on August 8, 1667.
Francesco Borromini, an Italian architect from the Baroque period, made a successful suicide attempt in the year 1700, as mentioned in his own account.
In 1725, Francesco Borromini's book 'Full Relation', which detailed his working methods and was told to Virgilio Spada, was finally published. This book provided insights into Borromini's architectural approach and legacy.
Since 1932, the Palazzo Carpegna in Piazza dell’Accademia di San Luca has been home to the Galleria dell’Accademia di San Luca.
In 1955, a commemorative plaque was placed in San Giovanni dei Fiorentini to honor Borromini. His name was added to the tomb of Carlo Maderno, recognizing his significant architectural contributions in Rome.
Nino Carboneri provided an early encyclopedia-length biographical entry on Francesco Borromini, focusing more on his life than his works.
Joseph Connors published a lucid analysis of Francesco Borromini's architectural works, contributing to the transformation of Borromini studies.
The movie 'La Sapienza' by Eugène Green, released in 2015, focuses on the life and work of Francesco Borromini. It sheds light on his architectural contributions and legacy.