In 2005, the Haltadefinizione Company began publishing this collection of high-definition images to help make Italy's enormous artistic heritage more accessible to the world.
Its website 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 St. Ignatius' conversion, 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 3 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.
DANIEL CUESTA, SJ
Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola (Rome)
'The ceiling depicts the Allegory of the mission of the Society of Jesus. The Trinity is represented in the center 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: like the gaze of St. Ignatius at Jesus' side, the presence of the Trinity in the center of the fresco, or this christogram on one side.
By clicking on two points, you can even get the exact measurements of this masterpiece of Baroque art.
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