Carlo Maderno
Carlo Maderno was born in 1556 within the Swiss bailiwick of Capolago. He began his working life cutting stone in the marble quarries of northern Italy before moving to Rome in 1588. Four brothers accompanied him on this journey to assist their uncle Domenico Fontana. This early background in sculptural workmanship would later shape his architectural style. His first solo project arrived in 1596 as a confident façade for Santa Susanna.
The structure of Santa Susanna broke with Mannerist conventions that defined earlier churches like the Gesù. A dynamic rhythm of columns and pilasters runs across its front. A protruding central bay adds complexity to the overall design. Condensed decoration in the center creates an incipient playfulness while maintaining rigour. Pope Paul V noticed this work and appointed Maderno chief architect of St. Peter's Basilica shortly after.
Construction of Sant'Andrea della Valle took place between 1621 and 1625 under his supervision. He designed the façade and executed the third largest dome in Rome after St. Peter's and the Pantheon. Frescoes by Giovanni Lanfranco covered the high windowed drum between 1621 and 1625. At Maderno's death the façade remained only half-built until Carlo Fontana finished it later. Whole columns embedded in dark recesses outline their profiles with shadow throughout the design.
His design of palaces is best represented by Palazzo Mattei built between 1598 and 1618. He also worked on the Quirinal Palace and the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo. The Barberini Pope Urban VIII commissioned work at the Palazzo Barberini starting in 1628. Details added by Bernini and Borromini sometimes overshadow Maderno's contributions there. He designed fortifications for Ferrara as well during his career.
Maderno died in Rome on the 31st of January 1629 at the age of 73. His body was buried in the church of San Giovanni dei Fiorentini where he directed construction of the dome. A crypt-like space called the Confessio sits under the dome allowing cardinals to descend near Saint Peter's burial place. Ninety-five bronze lamps remain lit perpetually around the balustrade of this space. His influence extended to later architects like Bernini and Borromini who studied his works.
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Common questions
When was Carlo Maderno born and where did he originate from?
Carlo Maderno was born in 1556 within the Swiss bailiwick of Capolago. He began his working life cutting stone in the marble quarries of northern Italy before moving to Rome in 1588.
What architectural changes did Carlo Maderno make to St Peter's Basilica?
Maderno modified Michelangelo's plans for the Greek cross basilica into a Latin cross nave. The new façade completed in 1612 allows Papal blessings from an enriched balcony above the central door.
Which church features the third largest dome in Rome designed by Carlo Maderno?
Construction of Sant'Andrea della Valle took place between 1621 and 1625 under his supervision. He executed the third largest dome in Rome after St. Peter's and the Pantheon.
Who commissioned work at the Palazzo Barberini starting in 1628?
The Barberini Pope Urban VIII commissioned work at the Palazzo Barberini starting in 1628. Details added by Bernini and Borromini sometimes overshadow Maderno's contributions there.
When did Carlo Maderno die and where is he buried?
Maderno died in Rome on the 31st of January 1629 at the age of 73. His body was buried in the church of San Giovanni dei Fiorentini where he directed construction of the dome.