Statue in honour of Francesco Borromini
This monumental statue, created by the Ticinese sculptor Ivo Soldini, pays tribute to the architect Francesco Castelli, known as Borromini, on the 400th anniversary of his birth (1599-1999). The granite base reproduces the plan of the Roman Church of Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza, his best-known masterpiece. Some symbolic elements recall the work of the great architect: the square triangle, a working tool, the oval, typical of Baroque architecture (like the plan of the San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane church), the star, a symbol of the fortune he had in his art. The imposing size of the work is intended as a tribute to the greatness of the distinguished artist.
History
Born in1599 at Bissone, Francesco Castelli, known as Borromini, was one of the leading masters of Baroque architecture. Aged nine, he was sent to Milan by his father to learn the art of stone masonry, then, in 1619 he moved to Rome to take part in the construction of St. Peter’s under Carlo Maderno, a distant relative and master. Thanks to his talent and tireless work, Borromini soon gained the title of master builder. Upon Maderno’s death, he worked under the renowned architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini with whom relationships subsequently turned out to be rather fraught, collaborating at the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica. Once awarded the title of architect by Bernini, Borromini started an independent career. Among his best-known works are the Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane and the Church of Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza, seen as his masterpiece. Borromini died in Rome in 1667.
