161.

Archiginnasio della Sapienza

The rather blank facade of the the Sapienza, the papal university which dominates this print, speaks for it being an inwardly turned building. In fact it is built around a large arcaded court begun at the time of Pius IV Medici (1559-1565). Construction continued for nearly a century, with Borromini completing it with the church of S. Ivo, Plate 113. The name Sapienza (Knowledge) is derived from the school's motto: INITIVM SAPIENTIAE TIMOR DOMINI (the beginning of Knowledge is fear of the Lord), carved on a cartouche over the central window. The three papal coats-of-arms that Vasi depicts on the facade are no longer there. On the lintel of the portal is the inscription SIXTVS V PONT MAX A•II (Sixtus V Pontifex Maximus, second year of his papacy [1587]). Facing the Sapienza is the facade of the 12th century church of S. Giacomo de' Spagnoli (1) rebuilt in 1450. In the early 1500s a facade was added on its opposite end, facing Piazza Navona, Plate 26. The facade shown here disappeared in the 1930s widening of the street which was to be renamed Corso Rinascimento. This urban change also caused the demolition of the narrow building facing the viewer. To the right of this building is Palazzo Madama (2) Plate 70, facing onto Piazza Madama which was completely absorbed into Corso Rinascimento. A thin strip of Palazzo Carpegna (3) is visible between Palazzo Madama and the Sapienza.