Luigi Vanvitelli has left a deep mark on European architecture. His works, which combine elements of Baroque and Neoclassicism, have helped define the architectural landscape of the eighteenth century, sometimes anticipating neoclassicism.
Bold vision, technical mastery and deep understanding of architectural principles: the works of Luigi Vanvitelli have become iconic and have managed to influence generations of architects.
This architect and painter worked between the late Baroque style and what will later be defined as Neoclassicism.
Foto – commons.wikimedia.org
Who was Luigi Vanvitelli? Life and influences
Born in Naples in the eighteenth century, Lodewijk van Wittel (real name of Luigi Vanvitelli) was immediately deeply influenced by the family environment: his father was a landscape painter of Dutch origins (Gaspar van Wittel) in charge of the realization of the decorative parts of the Royal Palace while his mother (Anna Lorenzani) was born in a family of artists.
After the family moved to Rome, he began to develop an early artistic sensitivity and an unprecedented attention to detail, studying ancient monuments and Renaissance works alongside his father and grandfather Andrea Lorenzani.
It was Filippo Juvarra, an architect known for being one of the main exponents of the Baroque, who recognized the technical talent of the young Vanvitelli, encouraging him to focus on architecture
Foto – commons.wikimedia.org
From then on, collaborations came in the project of lengthening Palazzo Chigi and in the processing of San Pietro and admission to the Academy of Arcadia.
Later, he participated in important competitions in Rome, such as the facade of San Giovanni in Laterano and the Trevi Fountain, demonstrating considerable talent. However, his proposals, excellent from the artistic point of view but less suited to the taste of the papacy oriented to the baroque, were unsuccessful. He was however noted and commissioned by Pope Clement XII to design the Lazzaretto (complex of buildings in the shape of a concentric pentagon) and the Clementine Arch in Ancona (ideal extension of the facade of the Church of Jesus).
Vanvitelli made important works in the Marche, among which the bell tower for the Holy House of Loreto, the facade and the interior of the church of Madonna della Misericordia in Macerata and the rebuilding of the church of Santa Maria Maddalena in Pesaro. He was also involved in examining the project of the theater of Palazzo Arringo signed by Giuseppe Gualtieri.
Back in Rome, he became architect of the Reverend Fabbrica di San Pietro. He presented a project for the restoration of the dome, arousing controversy because of the iron ring but obtaining the approval of the pontiff. He also designed the Royal Chapel at San Rocco in Lisbon, the restoration of the Convent of Sant’Agostino in Rome and the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli by Michelangelo.
One of his most significant projects was the Royal Palace of Caserta, a summer residence of the Bourbons. This impressive complex, inspired by Versailles and the Escorial, was equipped with a central gallery, a chapel, a theatre, a staircase of honour and over 1,200 rooms. Also the Italian garden was the work of the architect, who skilfully exploited both the natural inclination of the land and the water of the surrounding mountains (conveyed in the Carolino Aqueduct).
Shortly after, Luigi Vanvitelli retired to private life and shortly after he died when he was close to 73
Where is the tomb of Luigi Vanvitelli?
The architect was buried in the church of S. Francesco di Paola di Caserta at his own will.
The style halfway between baroque and neoclassicism
Luigi Vanvitelli was a lover and deep connoisseur of the Baroque style but, work after work, he began to move away from the excess and complex style of the Baroque to arrive at a more linear architecture.
The style of the Italian architect of Dutch origins anticipated Neoclassicism, that is a style characterized by proportion and harmony that recalls the classical age.
His works have helped define the architectural language of the eighteenth century and beyond, representing a bridge between two eras and testifying to his ability to adapt and innovate.
What did Vanvitelli, the iconic works
Luigi Vanvitelli is known mainly for three works that have marked his career and that are still considered masterpieces of European architecture
Royal Palace of Caserta
The name of Luigi Vanvitelli is linked to the Royal Palace of Caserta (royal residence wanted by the Bourbons), one of the architect’s most extraordinary creations. He began his design in the mid-eighteenth century and the palace was completed under the direction of his son Carlo.
Foto – commons.wikimedia.org
Imposing and majestic, the building covers over forty-seven thousand square meters, with a regular facade framed by classical columns and round arches. In the middle of the structure, an imposing gallery leads to the entrance of the vast surrounding park.
The park, also designed by Vanvitelli, winds over a vast area, skilfully exploiting the inclined terrain to create a series of pools and fountains, fed by an artificial waterfall, which extend along an avenue of three kilometers.
Acquedotto Carolino
The Aqueduct Carolino is an example of engineering work of impressive proportions: his task was to bring water from the mountains near the Royal Palace of Caserta and then towards Naples.
Inspired by the Roman aqueducts and extended for thirty-eight kilometers, the Carolino Aqueduct is configured as a system of canalizations and water pipes capable of transporting water through a varied territory, including valleys and plains, ensuring a constant supply to the royal residence.
Lazaret
The Lazzaretto of Ancona is a remarkable example of architecture destined to perform a specific function, namely to isolate and contain people suffering from contagious diseases during epidemics.
Commissioned by Pope Clement XII, the Lazzaretto is a testament to the architect’s mastery in combining functional aspects with a striking architectural design.
The structure has an innovative and rational arrangement with concentric pentagonal constructions that surround the temple of San Rocco in the center.
This architectural complex is located on an artificial island, ensuring the necessary insulation to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. In addition to its function of isolation during epidemics, the Lazzaretto has been used as a port defense complex and storage for goods.
The legacy of Luigi Vanvitelli
The legacy of Luigi Vanvitelli is recognized in many facets. His architectural works, such as the Royal Palace of Caserta and the Lazzaretto of Ancona, represent milestones of grandeur and functionality.
Through his works, he has shown that architecture goes beyond the mere construction of buildings, representing an art that combines aesthetics, functionality and vision.
His ability to blend different styles has influenced the architectural landscape of his time and beyond: his works continue to inspire and influence contemporary architecture.
Its cultural heritage has been recognized worldwide, with some of its works declared World Heritage by UNESCO (Royal Palace of Caserta and Carolino Aqueduct).