Chigi (architecture)
The Chigi family, prominent in Siena and later in Rome, commissioned numerous architectural works, and the term "Chigi" can be used to refer to architectural projects and styles associated with their patronage, particularly during the Baroque period. However, it's crucial to understand that "Chigi" doesn't define a specific architectural style in the same way as, say, "Gothic" or "Romanesque." Instead, it acts more as a descriptor indicating provenance and influence.
Architectural projects undertaken or commissioned by the Chigi family are typically characterized by a combination of grandeur, classical influence, and Baroque exuberance. This manifests in several ways, including:
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Monumentality: Buildings often exhibit a sense of scale and importance, reflecting the family's power and status.
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Classical Elements: References to ancient Roman architecture are common, seen in the use of columns, pilasters, pediments, and other classical motifs.
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Baroque Ornamentation: The integration of dramatic ornamentation, sculpture, and elaborate detailing is typical, adding a sense of dynamism and visual interest.
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Patronage of Prominent Architects: The Chigi family frequently employed leading architects of their time, such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Carlo Fontana, whose individual styles significantly shaped the appearance of Chigi-related projects.
Key examples that exemplify Chigi architectural patronage include aspects of the Palazzo Chigi in Rome (later the residence of the Prime Minister of Italy) and works associated with the Chigi Chapel in the Basilica di Santa Maria del Popolo, featuring Bernini's sculptures. Further, Alexander VII Chigi's urban planning influence on Rome can be seen as an extension of this architectural legacy.
Therefore, when referencing "Chigi" in an architectural context, it is most accurate to understand it as a historical marker indicating a building or project associated with the patronage and aesthetic preferences of the Chigi family, encompassing elements of classical design and Baroque ornamentation, realized through the involvement of significant architects.