Giovanni Paolo Panini architetto at Santa Maria della Scala, Rome

Abstract

The design of the chapel of Santa Teresa in Santa Maria della Scala in Trastevere (1734-1745) has been attributed both to Giovanni Paolo Panini (1691-1765), better known as a painter, and his son Giuseppe (1718-1805), whose was responsible for the cantorie and bussola over the entrance door, dated 1756. This article confirms that the commission and design of the chapel, as well as they pavement,  was the responsibility of the elder Panini (who gave his services for free). Already before 1732 the prior, Fra Bernardo di San Tommaso d’Aquino, had acquired from Panini a modello (probably for the side walls) and was in the process of obtaining charitable donations and coloured marbles. A contract dated 25 March 1733 was signed between the procurator. The project was to be completed with a charitable donation from  the will of Cardinal Alessandro Falconieri (1657-1734), the recently deceased titular of the church, with the support of the Cardinal-Vicar of Rome, Giovanni Antonio Guadagni (1674-1759), a Discalced Carmelite. The chapel proceeded to Panini’s design and on  May 1737 the two fluted columns of verde antico with white marble bases adorned with gilded copper were placed on the right side of the altar, and work was proceeding with capitals. The chapel was complete by 14 October 1745 when the altar was unveiled in the presence of Benedict XIV, having been consecrated by Cardinal Guadagni on 2 October.