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Glory of Saint Ignatius — Illusionistic Ceiling — Painted architecture extends a church ceiling toward an open heaven.
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Illusions in painting / 1691–1694

Glory of Saint Ignatius — Illusionistic Ceiling

Painted architecture extends a church ceiling toward an open heaven.

TRY THIS

Find where real architecture gives way to painted columns and sky. Follow the church’s guide for the viewing point.

FOLLOW THE SOURCES

History, evidence & image credit

THE IMAGE IN THIS ARCHIVE

Amchupa

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Frequently asked questions

What is Glory of Saint Ignatius — Illusionistic Ceiling?

Painted architecture extends a church ceiling toward an open heaven.

What should I look for in Glory of Saint Ignatius — Illusionistic Ceiling?

Find where real architecture gives way to painted columns and sky. Follow the church’s guide for the viewing point.

What explains Glory of Saint Ignatius — Illusionistic Ceiling?

Perspective and foreshortening align fictive architectural elements with the real room. Photography can document the effect but fixes only one view.

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Glory of Saint Ignatius — Illusionistic Ceiling — Painted architecture extends a church ceiling toward an open heaven.

Glory of Saint Ignatius — Illusionistic Ceiling