High Altar
2024 © Maxim Tabachnik
Madonna and Child on the Coffered CeilingSt. BernardinoMusical AngelsChrist in MajestyBaroque Wooden PulpitBaroque Pulpit CherubThe Reconciliation of the BufaliniMadonna and Child with SaintsCoffered Ceiling of Santa Maria in AracoeliThe Glory of St. BernardinoPietàPortrait GroupCeiling Medallion with the Holy SpiritSt. Bernardino Preaching Against DiscordGod the Father with the GlobeCounterfaçade with Angels and Barberini EmblemSanto Bambino of AracoeliSt Louis of ToulouseBaroque PulpitHigh AltarBaroque PulpitSt FrancisThe Four EvangelistsMadonna AracoeliThe Funeral of St. BernardinoBarberini Coat of Arms and AllegoryView from the Stairway of Santa Maria in Aracoeli

High Altar

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The high altar (18th c.) rises in tiers of marble, gilding, and columns around the icon of the Madonna Aracoeli. Gilded angels flank the central image, while the arch above carries the Latin hymn Regina Coeli Laetare (Queen of Heaven, rejoice). This Baroque ensemble organizes sculpture, painting, and light to focus attention on the venerated Marian image and its shrine.