Ellipses and Ovals in Baroque Architecture

1. Introduction In Baroque architecture, the use of elliptical and oval shapes is configured as one of the distinctive and most significant elements, characterizing spaces and surfaces with an aesthetic dynamism typical of thearchitecture of this period. These geometric shapes, defined respectively by the ellipse and the oval, are possessed by a strong symbolic and functional value: the ellipse, with its harmonic proportions and its ability to create effects of depth, often represents the idea of infinite possibilities and geometrically elaborated perfection. The oval, on the other hand, with its soft and welcoming lines, allows you to develop sculptural volumes that accentuate the sense of movement and spatial continuity. Their introduction into seventeenth- and eighteenth-century architecture responds to a desire to overcome the rigidity of Renaissance forms, inserting elements that foster a sense of fluidity and theatricality. The choice of these shapes is not accidental, but part of an attempt to involve the viewer in an engaging sensory experience, increasing the emotional impact of sacred and civil spaces. Their application in elegant floor plans and facades, as can be seen in illustrations of churches, basilicas and palaces, testifies to the desire to create environments that seem to breathe and pulsate with a life of their own. The presence of elliptical and oval curves, which are combined with other decorative and architectural elements, generates a harmony that combines functionality and symbolism, helping to define the complex and refined aesthetics of Baroque architecture. The strategic use of these forms has also led to technical innovation, including the new construction techniques necessary to create curved surfaces and complex structures, marking an important moment of development in the history of art and architecture