Concept: Different ways/eyes to describe a building
Our book, which is called “Architettura della basilica di S. Pietro in Vaticano” and written/illustrated by Martino Ferrabosco, represents the architecture and the impression of the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican pretty well.
The work is an illustrated account of the new Saint Peter’s up to 1620. It starts with a dedication to the holy father (“Beatissimo Padre”) and is preceded by a short history (“Dichiarazione”), drawing on earlier authorities such as Alfarano, Grimaldi and Gioanfattori, and by notes on the plates. The plates include plans of the old Constantinian basilica, plans, elevations and sections of the new basilica (one shows the old and new plans superimposed), details of the new church’s exterior and interior, and projects designed by Ferrabosco.
The first keyword would be in my opinion “Seperation”. The reason for that is that the whole book is strictly seperated in a text part (“Beatissimo Padre”, “Dichiarazione”, “Tavola” etc.) and a drawing/plan part. The proportion of text and drawing is equally divided. At the beginning of the book you can find all the texts. The drawings and plans can be found in the second half. That can help with searching for certain drawings or information.
Another keyword would be “Impression” . Besides the plans, there are many of those hand-illustrated drawings which have some personal factors. The lights and shadows are very interesting chosen and you can also find alot of fantasy/religious drawing-additions (for example: angels in the clouds). The drawer could so bring in his own touch and elevate the holyness, massiveness, richness of details and etc. of the building.
The last and final keyword would be “Collection“. The work mentions many people who had something to do with the Basilica and it also includes their works (floorplans, drawings, etc.). With that you can see the building with different eyes and discover more details.
Generally spoken I think the concept of the book is very clear and well made. Due to its simpel structure and different types of illustrations from different authorities I could learn about the subject, the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter, quite quickly but also I could see the subject from various points of view. The handdrawings show a perspective which a plan with its captions could never do. And of course also on the other way around. The plans with captions are very easy to understand and clear. The book, especially the drawings/plans within, are definitely worth checking out if you want to know more about the Papal Basilica of St. Peters.