Hauntingly Beautiful

Lining the sides of the remarkable Ponte Sant’Angelo are several statues such as this one. Created out from the mind of one of Rome’s greatest, Bernini, along with fellow sculptors, brought these angels to the material world due to the commissioning of Pope Clement IX in the year 1669. The decoration and special attention that was given to this bridge was not without reason. For originally, this bridge was known as the “Bridge of Hadrian” because it served as the passage to the Roman emperor’s mausoleum. However, with the changing over of the space to serve as a pontifical fortress, it was then referred to as Ponte Sant’Angelo to refer to the archangel that adorned its roof. While it no longer possesses the same level of importance regarding security, the landmark does serve as one of visitor’s favorites.

In the present day, thousands of visitors and citizens pass over this bridge on their way to sites such as Castel Sant’Angelo, Vatican Museums, or even their own homes. However, as they stroll across the river and gaze upon these works, the true meaning behind their presence is often overlooked. For this reason, here at Eavesdropping in Rome, there is a necessity to tell the complete story.

At first glance, these angels appear to be obtaining the one quality that is inherent to them, being ‘angelic.’ While this is true, this trait is one that is usually considered to be one of serenity and peace. However, after further examination, it can be assessed that there is something different that Bernini applied to these celestial beings. Each of these ten angels are holding a distinct object. These items are all in relation to the story of Christ’s passion. Among them are the lance that pierced Christ’s side, the nails from the crucifixion, the cross itself, and many others. The path of reminders of the suffering of Christ was envisioned by Bernini to serve as a form of meditation and contemplation for the pilgrims that would be taking this bridge on their way to St. Peter’s Basilica.

After becoming aware of this principle behind the statues, the look upon the faces of the angels move from being the standard vision of serenity, but rather one of intense pain and agony. Despite this, countless visitors and observers stop to take pictures and admire the allure of these statues. For this reason, these creations of Bernini possess this unique quality of being hauntingly beautiful. Rather than repulsive or difficult place one’s gaze upon, they draw each person in to appreciate them. In this way, Bernini reflects in these angels the same outlook that Christians have about Christ’s Passion. It possesses the ultimate beauty despite being what should be considered the ultimate act of brutality. This statues do not need to mutter a word to tell their own story and the story of the one to which they refer.

Sources:

Giuseppi Vasi, Itinerary

https://www.romeartlover.it/Vasi85b.html