Santa Maria Maggiore is a
major basilica dedicated to the
Virgin Mary and the largest
Catholic Marian church in Rome. This picture shows the interior of the dome of the basilica's Pauline Chapel,
frescoed by Italian painter
Cigoli between 1610 and 1613. It depicts the
Assumption, with Mary being lifted up towards heaven, while the apostles, some standing and others seated, look on. She holds a
sceptre, and around her, the heavens open and choirs of
angels rejoice as
cherubs cavort. At the apex of the
cupola,
God the Father is represented crowned by
seraphim. Built by order of
Pope Paul V, the chapel houses the image of
Salus Populi Romani, and is built of marble and richly gilded and frescoed throughout.
Painting credit: Cigoli; photographed by Livioandronico2013