Study of the Interior of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. 1621 - 1646

Paolo de Angelis Abbate rendered this study of the interior of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome with pen, brown ink, and blue wash on paper. Abbate was working during a period of significant transformation in Rome, shaped by the Catholic Counter-Reformation. This drawing offers insight into the spatial dynamics and decorative programs of the Basilica, but it also invites us to consider the social and religious functions of such spaces. The grandeur of the architecture, with its soaring columns and elaborately decorated walls, was intentionally designed to inspire awe and reverence in worshippers. The Catholic Church leveraged art and architecture to reassert its authority and attract followers amidst religious and political upheaval. This piece isn't just a depiction of space; it's a reflection of power, faith, and the complex negotiations between artistic expression and religious doctrine in the 17th century.