This book, published for the exhibition "Borromini and the Baroque Universe" (Rome, Palazzo delle esposizioni, 1999-2000), investigates the life and works of one of the most important architects of all time.
[Borromini and the Baroque Universe] This book, published for the exhibition “Borromini and the Baroque Universe” (Rome, Palazzo delle esposizioni, 1999-2000), investigates the life and works of one of the most important architects of all time. Borromini was an introverted personality who suffered from crises of depression and had a difficult relationship with his clients. His lack of interest in the comforts of life, the modest character of his dwelling, his deep aversion for society life, his decisive way of approaching even the most difficult problems seem to place Borromini, according to most critics, in direct contact with the thinking of the Stoics and, in particular, with Seneca’s “Letters to Lucilius”. His compositional choices also seem to be influenced by certain passages from Seneca, especially regarding the principle of unity in multiplicity and the harmony produced by many discords, a theme discussed by the Roman philosopher in relation to musical entertainments.