Architectural Analysis of San Andrea al Quirinale by Bernini

The purpose of this drawing was to analyze Bernini’s San Andrea al Quirinale. Using graphite and colored pencil, this in-situ drawing emphasizes the Baroque Church’s unique transverse oval form and the use of Bernini’s ‘Bel Composto’ that was intentionally used to accentuate the short axis of the oval as the main axis. Bernini’s ‘Bel Composto’ was the integration of art, sculpture, and architecture. He used all three harmoniously and ingeniously blurred the lines of the three artforms. Centrally placing the painting of the martyrdom of Saint Andrew and the sculpture of the assumption of Saint Andrew into heaven achieves the effect that Bernini was hoping to achieve through his use of 'Bel Composto'. The overall composition of the drawing reflects both the ceiling and the floor plan of the church. The figures pass through the drawing and the architectural space, blurring the line of art and architecture as Bernini intended.