Fountain of Trevi - Baroque Art

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TUI University Module 1 – SLP ART101 – Art History Professor William Anderson Fontana di Trevi (1) Fontana di Trevi (Trevi fountain) is the largest and one of the most famous Baroque fountains in Rome. It is called the Trevi fountain because of its’ location at the intersection of three streets –tre vie. The sculpture represents the taming of the waters or the fluctuating moods of the sea. The fountain almost feels alive and sets the stage for the surrounding area. The Palazzo Poli is its’ backdrop with a large niche representing the palace of Neptune. Neptune, the sea god, is riding a chariot guided by tritons through rushing waters. (2) The Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct constructed in 19 BC ends at the fountain and also supplies its’ water. Pope Clement XII commissioned Nicola Salvi to create the fountain. It was based on a design by Bernini that was halted by the death of Pope Urban VIII. The fountain was completed in 1762 by Giuseppe Pannini after Salvi’s death in 1751. (3) Nicola Salvi was born Aug. 6, 1697, in Rome. He was an Italian sculptor and architect most famous for the Trevi fountain. He went to the Roman Academy of Arcadia in 1717 and studied mathematics and philosophy. His mentor was Antonio Canevari. He entered a contest for the commission of the Trevi fountain. He was awarded the commission by the Pope. He put most of his energy into this project but was also able to do some other projects. He died before the Trevi fountain was officially created. (4) The baroque era is known for art that used “exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur”. The style started around 1600 in Rome. The Catholic Church encouraged it. In response to the Protestant Reformation, the Catholic Church thought the art should show religious themes directly and emotionally. The aristocracy
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