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Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:21:10

Francesco Borromini

Italian Baroque architect with distinctive style
Italian Baroque architect with distinctive style

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.

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1559-09-25
Birth of Francesco Borromini

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.

1599-09-25
Birth of Francesco Borromini

Francesco Borromini was born on September 25, 1599. He was an Italian architect known for his innovative and dynamic Baroque style.

1608
Borromini sent to Milan to learn stonecutting

In 1608, Borromini was sent to Milan by his father to learn stonecutting, where he was introduced to the craft specialities of architecture.

1620
Francesco Borromini Begins Work in Rome

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.

1626
Official Founding of Borromini

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.

1627
Palazzo di Propaganda Fide Reconstruction

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.

1629
Francesco Borromini Changes Name

In 1629, Francesco Borromini changed his name from Castelli to Borromini after fleeing to Rome without informing his parents.

1631
Borromini leaves Palazzo Barberini project

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.

1632
Galleria Spada Reconstruction

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.

1633
Borromini sets up as an independent architect

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.

1634
San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane (San Carlino)

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.

1637
Borromini appointed as architect of Oratory of Saint Phillip Neri

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.

1638
Design of San Carlo Alle Quattro Fontane

Francesco Borromini designed the San Carlo Alle Quattro Fontane, showcasing a combination of basilica, central, and cross plans to create a distinctive dome structure.

1640
Completion of the Oratory of Saint Phillip Neri

After thirteen years of work, Borromini completed the oratory of Saint Phillip Neri, characterized by a striking facade and a complex rhythm of pilasters.

1642
Construction of Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza

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.

1643
Completion of the Library of the Church of Saint Phillip Neri

Three years after finishing the oratory, Borromini completed the library of the church of Saint Phillip Neri.

1646
San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane

San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane is one of the notable works by Francesco Borromini, an Italian architect from the Baroque period.

1647
Borromini wins commission for Piazza Navona renovation

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.

1648
Borromini appointed as architect of the chapel

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.

1650
Restoration of Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano

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.

1651
Completion of Four Rivers Fountain

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.

1652
Rebuilding of the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone

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.

1655
Death of Pope Innocent X

Pope Innocent X passed away in 1655, leading to Borromini losing his commission for the completion of Sant’Agnese in Agone.

1657
Resignation of Borromini and Return of Carlo Rainaldi

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.

1660
Design of Palazzo Spada

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.

1665
Construction of the chapel by Borromini

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.

1667-08-02
Death of Francesco Borromini

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.

1667-08-03
Death of Francesco Borromini

Francesco Borromini passed away on August 3, 1667. He left behind a legacy of groundbreaking architectural designs that continue to inspire architects and artists.

1667-08-08
Death of Francesco Borromini

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.

1700
Francesco Borromini's Suicide Attempt

Francesco Borromini, an Italian architect from the Baroque period, made a successful suicide attempt in the year 1700, as mentioned in his own account.

1725
Publication of Borromini's book 'Full Relation'

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.

1932
Galleria dell’Accademia di San Luca

Since 1932, the Palazzo Carpegna in Piazza dell’Accademia di San Luca has been home to the Galleria dell’Accademia di San Luca.

1955
Commemoration of Francesco Borromini

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.

1971
Publication of Carboneri's Biographical Entry on Borromini

Nino Carboneri provided an early encyclopedia-length biographical entry on Francesco Borromini, focusing more on his life than his works.

1982
Publication of Connors' Analysis of Borromini's Works

Joseph Connors published a lucid analysis of Francesco Borromini's architectural works, contributing to the transformation of Borromini studies.

2015
La Sapienza Movie Release

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.

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Francesco Borromini
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