Gezicht op de zijkant van San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane 1675 - 1711

This is an anonymous etching of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, capturing the architectural marvel in ink. Dominating the view, the church stands as a testament to the Baroque era, its undulating façade and intricate details speaking of a desire to break from classical rigidity. The church, dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo, features a series of symbolic fountains at each corner of the intersection, each representing a river god. Water, a symbol of purification and life, flows from these figures, linking the earthly and divine realms. The fountains recall ancient Roman traditions of public water sources, transforming them into expressions of Christian power. Consider the emotional and psychological impact of the church’s design. The rhythmic play of concave and convex surfaces creates a dynamic, almost pulsating effect, engaging viewers on a subconscious level and evoking a sense of awe. This architectural rhythm echoes through time. The cyclical nature of these symbols persists, as water’s life-giving symbolism resurfaces, evolving to take on new meaning.