Compania de Jesus

Project: Compania de Jesus or Church of the Society of Jesus

Location: Quito, Ecuador

Time: 1605-1765

Affiliation: Jesuit

The Facade:

Starting from the bottom, Solomonic columns derived from Moorish influence flank both sides of the main arched entrance that is topped by a broken curved pediment with a niche holding a saint in the center. Flanking the Solomonic columns are more niches holding saintly figures with a shell form found underneath the niche as well as inside of it. Those niches are topped by broken triangular pediments with bodiless figures in the center. The smaller entrances have a high relief of the Sacred Heart at the top with quarter and half pilasters on either side with Corinthian style capitals. The first level is demarcated by a deep cornice. On the outer-most parts of the second level, there are large volutes encase the quarter and half pilasters, two niches with saints, and aedicula in the center. This aedicula is topped by a broken curved pediment sitting underneath a large cartouche that breaks up the deep cornice flanking either sides of it. On top of the cartouche is another broken curved pediment topped with an inverted volute holding up a golden cross. The excessive exterior ornamentation sees influence in the Churrigueresque style from Spain. 

The Interior:

Although on the exterior, the only apparent references to the Moorish style are found in the Solomonic columns, almost the entire golden interior of Compania de Jesus is derived from the style. The forms are found in the flower-like patterning found underneath the arches and on the triangulated panels above them. Mudejar patterns are found on the barrel vaulted ceilings above in gold leaf. Taking more from the Spanish style, the church employs the use of the retable to highlight their altar at the opposite end of the Latin cross plan. Entering the church, occupants feel overwhelmed by the amount of golden relief. 

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_the_Society_of_Jesus_(Quito,_Ecuador)

Class Notes