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Who were Francesco Borrominiās important patrons in Rome?
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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 Borrominiās career in Rome was marked by significant, though often turbulent, relationships with several influential patrons and figures:
- Francesco Cardinal Barberini: Along with Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the cardinal provided the commendation that helped Borromini secure the position of university architect in 1632, a crucial step in his transition to becoming an independent architect.1
- Pope Innocent X: Borromini received sponsorship from Pope Innocent X for a decade, which supported his work during a significant period of his career.1
- The Spada Family: Borromini established important professional contacts with this eminent Roman family.1
While Borromini initially worked under the guidance of his kinsman Carlo Maderno and later collaborated with Gian Lorenzo Bernini on major projects like the baldachin at St. Peterās, his relationships with patrons were frequently strained. His intransigent and defiant attitude often led to impasses, as he was known for his melancholic disposition and volatile temper.1