VITTONE, Bernardo Antonio

The Cappella della Visitazione at Vallinotto, near Carignano, was erected for agricultural workers of the town. The exterior has a tiered dome, but the hexagonal interior has the geometric elaborations with alternating convex and concave chapels that recall the architecture of Juvarra and Borromini. In the dome, the elaborately decorated ribs, reminiscent of Guarini’s work, intersect to form a complex design illuminated by natural light playfully concealed by hidden windows.

The Cappella della Visitazione at Vallinotto, near Carignano, was erected for agricultural workers of the town. The exterior has a tiered dome, but the hexagonal interior has the geometric elaborations with alternating convex and concave chapels that recall the architecture of Juvarra and Borromini. In the dome, the elaborately decorated ribs, reminiscent of Guarini’s work, intersect to form a complex design illuminated by natural light playfully concealed by hidden windows.

View the section and plan of the Cappella della Visitazione, Vallinotto (engraving).

In the interior of the church, all the characteristic features of Vittone’s style are assembled. The plan consists of a regular hexagon with six segmental chapels of equal width spanned by six equal arches. But the treatment of the chapels varies, for open chapels alternate with others into which convex coretti have been placed.

The glory of this little church is its dome. Following Guarini, Vittone formed its first diaphanous shell of intersecting ribs. Through the large hexagonal opening appear three more vaults, one above the other: two solid ones with circular openings, diminishing in size, and, capping them, the hemisphere of the lantern.

The photo shows the view into the dome.

View the section and plan of the Cappella della Visitazione, Vallinotto (engraving).

In the interior of the church, all the characteristic features of Vittone’s style are assembled. The plan consists of a regular hexagon with six segmental chapels of equal width spanned by six equal arches. But the treatment of the chapels varies, for open chapels alternate with others into which convex coretti have been placed.

The glory of this little church is its dome. Following Guarini, Vittone formed its first diaphanous shell of intersecting ribs. Through the large hexagonal opening appear three more vaults, one above the other: two solid ones with circular openings, diminishing in size, and, capping them, the hemisphere of the lantern.

The photo shows the view into the dome.

View the section and plan of the Cappella della Visitazione, Vallinotto (engraving).

Vittone’s design for Santa Chiara was a centralized space bound by four identical chapels laid out as segments of a circle. The shell of the dome is borne by four very narrow piers, and the view from the chapels into the central space is framed by the vertical intersection of two superimposed arches, the upper part of which cuts deeply into the shell of the dome. Four large apertures in the shell of the dome open up the view to a second shell painted with a heavenly image with angels. The external silhouette of this second spaces receives direct light from adjacent windows.

View the section and plan of the Santa Chiara, Bra (engraving).

Vittone’s design for Santa Chiara was a centralized space bound by four identical chapels laid out as segments of a circle. The shell of the dome is borne by four very narrow piers, and the view from the chapels into the central space is framed by the vertical intersection of two superimposed arches, the upper part of which cuts deeply into the shell of the dome. Four large apertures in the shell of the dome open up the view to a second shell painted with a heavenly image with angels. The external silhouette of this second spaces receives direct light from adjacent windows.

The picture shows the view of the dome.