АНСАМБЛЬ КАПЕЛЛЫ СИКСТА IV В СТАРОЙ БАЗИЛИКЕ САН ПЬЕТРО В РИМЕ

Abstract

The Chapel of Sixtus IV (also known as the Chapel of the Choir, and the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception) was not only the last addition to the old Basilica of San Pietro, but also one of its the longest-preserved parts (it was destroyed only in 1609). Only a few studies by foreign authors are devoted to this highly valued monument of the late Quattrocento in Rome. The main attention is paid to the tombstone of the pontiff, that fortunately has survived until now. For the first time, the present paper is focused on analysis of the position of the Chapel of Sixtus IV within the general complex of Vatican buildings and offers a reading of the spatial ensemble of the chapel, taking into account all its components, as well as the perspectives both of the world of people and of the sphere of the sacred. As a result, it is shown how an organic synthesis of not only different arts, but also of ancient and Christian cultures was achieved in this unique monument, and the versatility of the personality of Sixtus IV himself was vividly embodied.