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Which Roman buildings and construction methods influenced Francesco Borromini?
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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.
Francesco Borromini was an avid student of the ancient world who drew inspiration from Roman architecture while rejecting the orthodox compositional motifs of his time. Rather than merely copying antiquity, he sought to progress beyond its achievements by interpreting classical elements in novel and marvelous ways.1
Influential Roman Buildings and Methods
- Hadrianās Villa: Borromini looked to the curious and inventive interpretations of space found at Hadrianās Villa in Tivoli as a departure point for his own designs.1
- Structural Achievements: He was significantly influenced by Roman structural techniques, specifically their use of brickwork and the application of bevelled corners for vault supports.1
- Michelangelo: Borromini identified with the example of Michelangelo, whose architecture was of decisive importance. He was particularly inspired by the way Michelangeloās designs allowed space to expand and contract, which suggested the dynamic potential of architecture to Borromini.1
- Technical Virtuosity: Drawing on his Lombard artisan training, Borromini utilized the building site as an extension of his drafting table, often improvising and providing personal guidance to stonecutters to realize complex, three-dimensional curves and structural innovations.1