In 1685, the ceiling of the Basilica of Saint Ignatius was designed by Andrea Pozzo when he was forty-three years of age. The medium that was used to cover the seventeen meter wide Basilica was fresco. A technique known as dark Trompe L’oeil, which means to “fool the eye,” was used during the painting process. This technique makes the ceiling's flat surface appear to be vaulted. Another aspect that contributes to the ceiling's illusions are the three dimensional stories that depict the defense of Pamplona where St. Ignatius wounded his leg, and also the entry of Saint Ignatius into Paradise after his religious conversion. Some of the other figures that are included in the story also prove the depth of the ceiling because they appear to be horizontally climbing skyward. This symbolizes their desire to enter into Paradise as well. Notice how heaven is capsuled in portals and Jesus is floating on a cloud directly in the center. This emphasizes that the Christian faith should be centered on Christ. As you can see within the Basilica of Saint Ignatius, the artist Andrea Pozzo, who lived from 1649 to 1709, magnificently portrayed his Christian faith by combining the idea of perspective with the design of illusion.
Sources:
*http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/santignazio.htm
**http://uk.ask.com/question/trompe-l-oeil
***http://www.360cities.net/image/church-of-san-ignazio-rome
*http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/santignazio.htm
**http://uk.ask.com/question/trompe-l-oeil
***http://www.360cities.net/image/church-of-san-ignazio-rome