Francesca 83

Author: DeAgostini Publishing Company (UK)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-06-01
Features: The architect responsible for the renovation of the San Francesco Church was Matteo di Pasti, while the classical-style interior decoration was designed by the architect and architectural theorist Leon Battista Alberti. Additionally, many sculptors participated in the beautiful interior decoration, including Cosimo di Duccio. Many parts of the decoration used classical literature and philosophical metaphors and symbols without obvious traces, even Pope Pius II remarked, "This is not a Christian church." The renovation project was still unfinished at the time of Sigismund's death, and it was indeed never completed. However, the church, in its unfinished state, became one of the most noteworthy examples of Renaissance architecture.
When mentioning the patrons of Francesco, one must particularly highlight Sigismond Malatesta. Sigismond became the ruler of Rimini at the age of fifteen in 1432 and had already demonstrated outstanding military talent. At the age of thirteen, he personally led his army to defeat the enemy attacking Rimini and soon became one of the most famous cavalry commanders of the Renaissance. However, he was infamous for committing many improper and wicked acts, and at least some of these negative evaluations were indeed true. The charges against him included incest, murder, rape, and homosexuality. His contemporaries mostly regarded him as a "monster." In 1462, Pope Pius II even formally declared him to be sent to hell while he was still alive. Over the years, he may have been the only ruler to suffer such a fate.