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Who was Carlo Maderno and how did he influence 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.
Carlo Maderno (1556ā1629) was a prominent Roman architect who defined the early style of Baroque architecture. Serving as the chief architect for Saint Peterās Basilica, he is best known for designing its nave and facade, as well as the Palazzo Barberini.1
Maderno served as a crucial mentor to Francesco Borromini. After Borromini arrived in Rome in 1620, he worked as a draftsman and stonemason in Madernoās office. Maderno quickly recognized Borrominiās talent, leading to a close professional collaboration. Their influence on one another included:2
- Mentorship and Training: The two worked together on complex architectural problems at St. Peterās.2
- Collaborative Projects: For the Palazzo Barberini, Maderno established the basic concept, while entrusting Borromini with the realization of specific details. They also collaborated on the facade design of SantāAndrea della Valle, where Borromini was permitted to design the lantern of the dome.2
- Professional Foundation: While Madernoās style dominated their early joint work, the experience allowed Borromini to refine his own architectural identity, which later evolved into his signature use of plastic volumes and articulated space.2