Ontwerp voor het hoofdaltaar van de kerk van San Vincenzo te Bassano Romano 1636 - 1647

This is Reinier van Persijn’s design for the main altar of the church of San Vincenzo in Bassano Romano, made with pen and grey ink. The drawing presents a symmetrical, frontal view of the altar, emphasizing its architectural elements. Note the use of vertical lines in the columns, balanced by horizontal lines in the base and entablature. The lines form a frame for what seems to be a void at the centre. This void is central to the meaning of the artwork. Van Persijn's design engages with architectural principles, reflecting a structured approach to religious space. The classical orders of the columns and pediment reference a semiotic system of order and harmony. The symmetry and balance suggest a pursuit of idealized form, characteristic of Renaissance and Baroque art. The altar is more than a structure; it signifies a meeting point between the earthly and the divine. The empty panel suggests a space for contemplation and the unknown. This deliberate use of space creates an invitation for individual interpretation.