Illusionistic Ceilings
Antonio Da Correggio
Assumption of the Virgin, 1526-1530
Assumption of the Virgin
During the Baroque era, one of the most influential style of paintings was in fact the Illusionistic Ceilings. Assumption of the Virgin, created by Antonio Da Correggio in Italy, was an influential piece to other Illusionists to the dramatic style of the Baroque era. Created in Italy, Correggio used the Italian style of sotto in su, which meant to be seen from below, which allowed the viewer to feel as though there was no ceiling at all. Painted on the ceiling of the Cathedral of Parma, which was located in one of the Catholic Churches, shows that there was a connection between the Council of Trent as well as the influence of the Academies at the time.
The Council of Trent was known as the Counter reformation that brough art back into the churches through a council of people who thought that art should depict the different aspects of religiosity. Correggio’s piece has to do with the assumption of Mary into heaven, an obvious religious theme that is so heavenly in this illusionistic piece due to the amazing styles that he used. The Academies at this time had a very influential and profound effect on the artists at this time, especially on Correggio, whose style was sought out by the Carracci family because he portrayed the truth in his religious subject matter, which was exactly what the counter reformation was all about.
Despite the obvious effects that this style of painting has, it fits it’s title of illusionistic for a reason. The fact that Correggio was able to use foreshortening in a way that it appears to just go up into the heavens. The ring of people surrounded in the clouds is such an amazing aspect of the painting due to the joyous expressions and happiness. One of the things that really captures me about this painting is that it takes away from the veiwer and brings them into the cieling and shows what people have to look forward to if they stay on the right path due to how dramatic it really is.
I also found this ceiling to be breathtaking, I’ve always been fascinated by illusionistic work. I found an entire site once dedicated to illusionistic artwork done in chalk on city sidewalks, it was amazing. Thanks to artists such as Correggio artists of today have plenty of beautiful pieces to inspire them. One thing that always strikes me is the attention to detail found in pieces such as, it’s just layer upon layer of impressive work that really creates the perception of depth. You did a fabulous job of explaining the influence of the Church and making the connection between the subject matter of this piece and the Council of Trent. Great work on your post and thanks for putting this piece in the spotlight.
Nannette probably found Julian Beever or Kurt Wenner, who are famous illusionist artists who work on sidewalks, or other public spaces. See more of their work in the Post Modern section – Street Art in our course site.
I really enjoyed your blog and your choice in Baroque art. Correggio was a wonderful painter and created some of the most elaborate and detailed paintings in churches during this time. I find it interesting that it took him 6 years to paint the frescoes in the cathedral of Parma (from 1524-1530), what a long time that would be to complete! Great job, it was a pleasure to read!
The Assumption of the Virgin
Correggio signed the contract for this painting on November 3, 1522. The composition is influenced by Melozzo’s perspective (from down to up). The massing of spectators in this spiral creates both narrative and decoration. The illusionistic obliteration of the architectural roof thrusts perspective towards divine infinity.
At the center of the dome, Jesus is descending to meet his mother. Below the feet of Jesus, the Virgin in red and blue robes is lifted upwards by a team of angels. Around the base of the dome, between the windows stand the apostles. The base of the dome is decorated with the four protector Saints of the city of Parma: St John the Baptist, St. Hilary, St Thomas, and St. Bernard. The innumerable angels are a spiral upward. Even Adam and Eve are among the group of blessed. The Fresco would serve as a catalyst for the baroque style of dramatically illusionistic ceiling paintings.
This is an amazing work of art. It is hard to imagine creating masterpieces with such fine detail as The Assumption of the Virgin on a ceiling. Correggio had a magnificent talent. Relatively unknown in his lifetime, Correggio was to have an enormous posthumous reputation. His works might have been better celebrated during his life if he had been in a more flourishing art center. Parma was relatively unvisited and had little recognition during the Baroque era.