FRANCESCO BORROMINI (1599-1667)
A design for the upper half of a column
1625RCIN 905635
Soon after his election in 1623, Pope Urban VIII commissioned Gian Lorenzo Bernini to construct a huge bronze canopy or baldacchino at the crossing of St Peter’s, over the tomb of the saint. Then only 25 years old, Bernini’s architectural experience was minimal, and Borromini was appointed to assist him. This is a working drawing for the upper section of the twisted columns that support the canopy.