Haltadefinizione Library

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Haltadefinizione library of Italy's artistic heritage

In 2005, the Haltadefinizione Company in Italy began publishing a collection of high-definition images to help make Italy's enormous artistic heritage more accessible to the world.

Its Web site offers incredible details of masterpieces like Leonardo Da Vinci's "Last Supper", Caravaggio's "Calling of St Matthew", and Boticelli's "Birth of Venus".

Now, to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the conversion of St Ignatius, the company has included images of the painted ceiling in the church dedicated to the saint in Rome.

This astounding feat of artistic perspective was created by Jesuit, Andrea Pozzo, in just three years, between 1691 and 1694. His unique frescoes attract visitors from all over the world, many of whom are completely taken in by the optical illusion of infinite space.

The ceiling depicts the Allegory of the mission of the Society of Jesus. The Trinity is represented in the centre and the figure that stands out is that of Jesus carrying the Cross. The Society of Jesus is Christocentric, the Spiritual Exercises are Christocentric. In the same way, the experience of St Ignatius, when he arrived in Rome, is marked by this Christ carrying the Cross.

Thanks to the Haltadefinizione project, anyone can enjoy this artistic treasure up close without having to travel to Rome.

It's a virtual tour highlighting details that are impossible to see even during a physical visit to the church. For example, the gaze of St Ignatius at the side of Jesus, the presence of the Trinity in the centre of the fresco, or the christogram to one side.

Frescoed ceiling in the church of St Ignatius of Loyola up close

A close look at Andrea Pozzo’s masterpiece, a glorious celebration of St Ignatius

View the complete Haltadefinizione library at the link below.

www.haltadefinizione.com