Specificity of arrangement of apse space in the Franciscan Church of San Lorenzo Maggiore in Naples (1260-1340)

Abstract

This article explores the peculiarities of spatial planning and construction phases of apse in the Franciscan Church of San Lorenzo Maggiore in Naples. Gothic deambulatory with a crown of radial chapels in the Church of San Lorenzo Maggiore is a unique typology of apse structure for the architecture of Franciscans in Italy. The architectural monument is ranked with a number of other Franciscan churches in Naples, built under the patronage of the monarchs of the Kingdom of Naples from Anjou Dynasty. Analysis is conducted on engineering aspects and system of orders of the Neapolitan Church. The analysis of formal-stylistic features and taking and consideration of historical peculiarities of the architectural monuments, the author suggests possible influence of the architectural language of French Gothicism upon the plan of the Church of San Lorenzo Maggiore. The article revises historiography of the question of origin of oriental hue in the Church of San Lorenzo Maggiore. The author substantially broadens the vector of research problems and interpretations associated with examination of French influence upon the plan of the apse of the Church of San Lorenzo Maggiore. The novelty of consists in the analysis of apse of the Church of San Lorenzo Maggiore the context of logics of the development of deambulatory in French Gothicism, rather than borrowing of this shape from medieval Italian architecture.