Altar of the Cappella del Sacramento 

The Altar of the Cappella del Sacramento in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican, was produced by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, using a variety of luxurious materials. Gold leaf, bronze, marble and lapis lazuli come together to create a space that is both visually stunning, and spiritually evocative. Bernini and his workshop brought together various artistic traditions, uniting sculpture, painting, and architecture to create a theatrical display of faith. The use of precious metals and rare stones elevates the altar, while the natural variations in the marble imbue the piece with a sense of organic beauty. Look at the quantity of labor that this work represents. The extraction and transportation of the stone, the refinement of the gold, and the sheer skill required for the execution of Bernini's design are all testaments to the vast resources at the disposal of the Catholic Church. Consider also the number of artisans involved, all united in the service of this magnificent object. It invites us to reflect on the relationship between artistic creation, material wealth, and spiritual devotion.