Baths of Diocletian Self-researched
Rome, Italy
Artworks
The Delivery of the Keys Self-researched
A large altarpiece depicting Christ delivering the keys of the Church to Saint Peter, displayed in the Chapel of St. Peter. Muziano was one of the most prominent painters active in Rome in the mid-to-late sixteenth century.
The Death of Ananias and Sapphira Self-researched
Originally painted for St. Peter's Basilica, this large canvas depicts the dramatic biblical episode from Acts of the Apostles where Ananias and Sapphira fall dead before the Apostles for lying about their donation to the community. Transferred to Santa Maria degli Angeli in the 18th century.
The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian Self-researched
One of the most celebrated paintings in the basilica, originally painted for the altar of St. Sebastian in St. Peter's Basilica. The dramatic composition shows Jesus Christ welcoming the martyr saint while an angel descends bearing the palm and crown of martyrdom. The painting was transferred to Santa Maria degli Angeli in the 18th century.
The Presentation of the Virgin Mary at the Temple Self-researched
A major Baroque altarpiece originally painted for St. Peter's Basilica, depicting the young Virgin Mary being presented at the Temple in Jerusalem. Considered a highpoint of Romanelli's work, the painting was later transferred to Santa Maria degli Angeli where it hangs in the transept.
The Baptism of Jesus Self-researched
Painted for St. Peter's Basilica, this monumental altarpiece depicts the baptism of Christ by John the Baptist. It was among the first large paintings moved from St. Peter's to Santa Maria degli Angeli, transferred by order of Pope Benedict XIII after Maratta's death in 1713.
The Apparition of the Virgin Mary to Saint Bruno Self-researched
Painted for the 1700 Jubilee, this Baroque altarpiece in the Chapel of St. Bruno depicts the Virgin Mary appearing to St. Bruno, founder of the Carthusian Order. Appropriate for its setting, as the church was part of a Carthusian monastery.
Fall of Simon Magus Self-researched
A monumental late Baroque painting originally intended as the basis for a mosaic altarpiece in St. Peter's Basilica. The work depicts the dramatic fall of the magician Simon Magus as he attempts to fly before the Roman Emperor Nero, struck down by the prayers of Saints Peter and Paul. It was removed from St. Peter's in 1757 and transferred to Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Saint Bruno Self-researched
A neoclassical marble statue of Saint Bruno, founder of the Carthusian Order, created by the French sculptor Houdon during his time at the French Academy in Rome. The serene, contemplative figure is considered one of Houdon's masterpieces. Pope Clement XIV reportedly remarked that the statue "would speak, were it not that the rules of his order impose silence."
Bronze Entrance Doors Self-researched
Monumental bronze doors by the Polish sculptor Igor Mitoraj, installed at the entrance to the basilica. The left door depicts the Resurrection and the right door the Annunciation, rendered in Mitoraj's characteristic fragmented figural style.