Andrea Pozzo, Ceiling fresco of the Church of Sant’Ignazio

Andrea Pozzo, a lay brother of the Jesuit order and master of perspective, was commissioned in 1685 to decorate the ceiling of the Jesuit church of Sant’ Ignazio, dedicated to St. Ignatius. The subject of the vast fresco is a representation of the works of St. Ignatius and the Jesuits in spreading Christianity throughout the world. In a spectacular blending of heaven and earth, Saint Ignatius is carried heavenward to be received into paradise by Christ himself. On either side of this heavenly vision are figures personifying the four continents of the world where the Jesuits spread their teaching.

When you view this ceiling, it appears as though you are looking up into a vaulted roof that has opened to the sky revealing figures floating upward into heaven. But that is all an illusion!

Watch this video to learn how Pozzo creates spectacular illusions of space and perspective on a flat surface in a relatively shallow space.