In an undisclosed location on the Near North Side, I had the opportunity recently to view a truly unique chapel in a style that is not very common in St. Louis, a city of Romanesque and Gothic Revival churches. Combining elements of classical architecture with elements of 17th Century design, the chapel is stunning.
Even in its ruined state, the quality of the stucco work is superbly preserved, despite the increasing threat of water damage.
What is really disgusting is the looting of the beautiful marble altarpieces, shown above in a severely pillaged state. Of course, the looting didn't result in some new, beautiful work of art as the
spolia of the Roman Empire often became, but rather the marble components lie shattered on the floor of the chapel, too heavy (obviously) to remove easily.
The roof collapsed last May, and now the clock has begun to tick even faster.
In an undisclosed location on the Near North Side, I had the opportunity recently to view a truly unique chapel in a style that is not very common in St. Louis, a city of Romanesque and Gothic Revival churches. Combining elements of classical architecture with elements of 17th Century design, the chapel is stunning.
Even in its ruined state, the quality of the stucco work is superbly preserved, despite the increasing threat of water damage.
What is really disgusting is the looting of the beautiful marble altarpieces, shown above in a severely pillaged state. Of course, the looting didn't result in some new, beautiful work of art as the spolia of the Roman Empire often became, but rather the marble components lie shattered on the floor of the chapel, too heavy (obviously) to remove easily.
The roof collapsed last May, and now the clock has begun to tick even faster.
wow, stunning photos of a beautiful structure. a real shame these things fall apart and decay this way.
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