Santa Maria Maggiore

Santa Maria Maggiore Review

The basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore has vivid frescoes by Pinturicchio in the Cappella Baglioni (1501). Striking in their rich colors, finely dressed figures, and complex symbolism, the Nativity, Christ Among the Doctors (on the far left side is a portrait of Troilo Baglioni, the prior who commissioned the work), and the Annunciation (look for Pinturicchio's self-portrait in the Virgin's room) are among Pinturicchio's finest works. They were painted after the artist had already won great acclaim for his work in the Palazzi Vaticani in Rome for Borgia Pope Alexander VI. Two pillars on either side of the apse are decorated with frescoes by Perugino (circa 1450-1523), the other great Umbrian artist of the 16th century.