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a gold sculpture of a man and a woman in front of a mirrora gold clock with a statue of a woman on ita gold clock on the wall of a buildinga wooden box with three wooden posts on it
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64 - Francesco Borromini (attributed to) Architectural model for …
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Estimate €30,000 - €50,000
Sale commission
Description
Francesco Borromini (attributed to) Architectural model for the façade of Sant’Agnese in Agone in Rome 77 × 156 cm An important architectural model in carved and gilded wood, structured as a monumental façade with three arches, punctuated by pilasters, projecting columns, moulded cornices and architectural projections. The structure is embellished with numerous mirrored glass inserts, set within rectangular panels and along the upper entablature.The two side arches are surmounted by reliefs bearing the heraldic insignia of the Pamphilj family, whilst on either side of the central opening, within niches, are two sculpted figures identifiable as Saint Agnes and Saint Emerentiana. At the centre of the upper register, above the main arch, is an elaborate cartouche featuring volutes and plant motifs; further foliage and ornamental elements enrich the side panels. The model presents a different conception of the façade from the design ultimately realised for the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone in Piazza Navona. Construction of the building began in 1652 to a design by Girolamo and Carlo Rainaldi at the behest of Pope Innocent X Pamphilj; in 1653, responsibility for the works passed to Francesco Borromini, who radically transformed the previous design, introducing the characteristic concave articulation of the façade and giving greater prominence to the dome. The pronounced sculptural articulation of this model, based on the alternation of projections and recesses in the façade and the fragmentation of the architectural surface, has traditionally led to it being attributed to Francesco Borromini, within the context of the various design phases that characterised the construction of Sant’Agnese. The discrepancy with the façade actually built appears particularly significant precisely in light of the building’s complex design history, which saw Rainaldi, Borromini and, once again, Carlo Rainaldi succeed one another. According to the tradition regarding its provenance, the model was kept in the ballroom of Palazzo Pamphilj in Rome, situated above a fireplace. It remained in the palace until the mid-20th century, when, following the dispersal of part of the furnishings, it passed to the Galleria Sangiorgi at Palazzo Borghese, subsequently entering a private Roman collection. Provenance: - Palazzo Pamphilj, Rome; - Galleria Sangiorgi, Palazzo Borghese, Rome;- Private Roman collection. Bibliography: - V. Del Gaizo, *Grande Enciclopedia Antiquariato e Arredamento*, Rome, 1967; - G. Lizzani, *Il Mobile Romano*, Novara, 1997.
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About the sale Fine Art
Auction location
Auction time 11/12/2026 at 3:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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