Artistic Analysis on The Triumph of the Name of Jesus and the Fall of the Damned, 1672-1685
Giovanni Battista Gaulli, called Baciccio
The Triumph of the Name of Jesus and the Fall of the Damned, 1672-1685
Background
Walking into the Jesuit church of Il Gesù, located in Rome, Italy you will be greeted by elaborate architecture and a magnificent ceiling fresco. The artist, Giovanni Battista Gualli, spent years on this fresco from 1672 - 1685, roughly one hundred years after the construction of the church itself. At the time, the building was established by the Catholic Church in response to the Protestant Reformation initiated by Martin Luther. The religious and political history behind the structure bleeds over into the ceiling fresco itself as you see an obvious distinction between those who they believed achieved salvation and those who did not based on their beliefs.
Color
The harmonious colors used in this painting are delicate, neutral, and filled with emotion. As you look to the center of the painting you can see how Gaulli used bright whites and golds to signify the Heavens. In contrast, near the bottom of the painting, you see the colors darken to demonstrate the emotion felt by those who had not been saved. Overall, the colors used give shape and form to the clouds and sky depicted in the fresco.
Walking into the Jesuit church of Il Gesù, located in Rome, Italy you will be greeted by elaborate architecture and a magnificent ceiling fresco. The artist, Giovanni Battista Gualli, spent years on this fresco from 1672 - 1685, roughly one hundred years after the construction of the church itself. At the time, the building was established by the Catholic Church in response to the Protestant Reformation initiated by Martin Luther. The religious and political history behind the structure bleeds over into the ceiling fresco itself as you see an obvious distinction between those who they believed achieved salvation and those who did not based on their beliefs.
Personal Analysis
I can relate to this background in the sense that I think it is important to stand up for what you believe in. Without fear of repercussions or persecution, especially if you believe it to be good and pure. I admire the courage it takes to not only make a stance but to put your heart and soul into it, as the Jesuit architects and artists did with this structure. The placement of this fresco is, in my opinion, perfect. Due to its background and sheer size, I do not think it should be seen in any other setting. I think that part of the artwork is the experience. While I would love a smaller canvas version in my home office, this is meant to be enjoyed from within the walls of the Il Gesù.Color
The harmonious colors used in this painting are delicate, neutral, and filled with emotion. As you look to the center of the painting you can see how Gaulli used bright whites and golds to signify the Heavens. In contrast, near the bottom of the painting, you see the colors darken to demonstrate the emotion felt by those who had not been saved. Overall, the colors used give shape and form to the clouds and sky depicted in the fresco.
Texture
I was amazed by this painting when looking closely at the details. The skin of the fallen and the angels give off a soft texture, along with the garments in the painting. Also, the contrast between the painting on the ceiling and the way it is framed by the physical texture of the stucco ceiling, makes it dynamic and catches the eye of the viewer.Form
Notice how the painting looks as if it’s reaching out to the viewer. See how the clouds stretch out from the framed border and onto the surrounding ceiling. Gaulli made this fresco three-dimensional by adding painted wooden pallets that extend beyond the paint. Not only did the artist take the physical volume of this painting to the next level, he added another detail that cannot be overlooked. He added shadows! Painted on the textured ceiling itself, this detail makes it seem like the heavens have opened up and are entering through the roof of the building. An absolutely beautiful and original piece of art that I hope to see in person one day.Works Cited:
Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker, "Il Gesù, Rome," in Smarthistory, April 8, 2021, https://smarthistory.org/il-gesu-rome/. Accessed August 27, 2024.
"Giovanni Battista Gaulli, Called Baciccio." Artsy, https://www.artsy.net/artist/giovanni-battista-gaulli-called-baciccio/about. Accessed August 27, 2024.
"Giovanni Battista Gaulli, Called Baciccio." Artsy, https://www.artsy.net/artist/giovanni-battista-gaulli-called-baciccio/about. Accessed August 27, 2024.
I absolutely love your analysis of Giovanni Battista Gaulli's fresco in the Il Gesù church! Your appreciation for the colors and the overall experience of the artwork resonates deeply with me. It evokes such an awestruck feeling, as if you are being drawn into a divine moment suspended in time. I agree that the use of shimmering whites and golds in contrast with darker hues creates not only a visual impact but also a profound emotional narrative. It’s fascinating how the colors work together to convey the stark difference between salvation and despair; it really deepens the already rich historical context you provided. Additionally, your emphasis on the physical space of the fresco enhances the appreciation of the piece. It’s remarkable how the three-dimensional effect draws viewers in, making them feel as if they are part of the scene—almost welcoming them into the story Gaulli created. This idea of being enveloped by the art itself amplifies the beauty and elegance of the experience. Thank you for sharing your insightful thoughts! I hope to see this breathtaking piece in person someday as well; I can only imagine how awe-inspiring it must be in its natural setting.
ReplyDeleteYou have chosen some beautiful art and really created a wonderful analysis! Your blog was the first one I read after I submitted my blog and you had me scared I I did mine all wrong! I love both pictures you chose. I'm so glad you are enjoying Fairbanks! I lived there with my family for 22 years and we just moved to Valdez. Fairbanks is definitely a gem! I have a Daisy in my life also, my daughter and hiking companion!
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to see the wonderful and amazing architecture in Rome. I believe that individuals who put their blood and sweat into creating amazing art will always be admired by many people. These artists definitely believed in their artwork, regardless of what others said about it. That is why art is so meaningful to me; you can create a wonderful piece of art out of anything as long as you believe in it.
ReplyDeleteHi Lexi!
ReplyDeleteI love the art piece that you chose. I also love your personal analysis of it. It is truly amazing the skill set that the artist had to have to make this beautiful piece of art.