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How was Francesco Borromini’s reputation revived in the 20th century?

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Rome: Piazza Navona — Francesco Borromini Piazza Navona, Rome, with the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, designed by Francesco Borromini, and (foreground) the Fountain of the Moor, originally designed by Giacomo della Porta and revised by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Following the rise of Neoclassical attitudes, Francesco Borromini’s work fell out of favor and was largely forgotten throughout the 19th century. However, his reputation underwent a significant revival in the 20th century, during which his architecture was once again recognized as the work of a genius.1

This modern appreciation stems from a deeper understanding of his revolutionary approach to design. By rejecting the restrictive, enclosing qualities of traditional walls and treating space and light as primary architectonic components, Borromini challenged the architectural conventions of his time. His ability to manipulate complex geometric configurations and his innovative use of concave and convex masses have led contemporary scholars and architects to view his work as a profound and influential legacy.12