Clement XI and Santa Maria Maggiore in the Early 18th Century

• Published in: Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians 1986-09, Vol.45 (3), p.286-293
• Main Author: JOHNS, C. M. S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Architectural design; Architecture; Christian history; Christianity; Churches; Floor plans; Libraries; Mosaic; Popes; Religious buildings; Renaissance, 17th and 18th centuries; Repertory of art and archaeology
• ISSN: 0037-9808; 2150-5926
• DOI: 10.2307/990163

The architectural patronage of Pope Clement XI Albani was largely a studied effort to repair and embellish Roman monuments rather than an attempt to glorify the papal family through ambitious new undertakings. In this article, Carlo Fontana's designs for portico gates for Santa Maria Maggiore are studied in the broader context of Albani patronage. In addition, the contract between Fontana and the basilican chapter and the ironworker Pietro Monti, recently uncovered in the church's archive, is examined, and visual evidence is offered for the actual execution of the papal architect's designs. Stressing the political significance of the Liberian basilica in the context of the papal role in the War of the Spanish Succession, it becomes clear that the erection of the gates was more than just a practical or decorative measure. Moreover, this article demonstrates that the portico-gates project reflects Clement's interests in Paleochristianity, especially Rome's Early Christian basilicas, placing this minor undertaking into the mainstream of early settecento Roman intellectualism and scholarship.