The Evidence for the Dating of S. Lorenzo in Milan
Dale Kinney
THE CONTINUED DISAGREEMENT among art historians over the date of founding S. Lorenzo Maggiore is due in part to absence contemporary written testimony, and apparent contradictions posed by only other evidence available-archaeological circumstantial. Dialogue inhibited a tendency those treating problem explain these away, minimize or even ignore them. It purpose present study, therefore, review for some detail; find what exist analyze them; suggest means resolution. its chapels were erected just outside ancient city wall near Porta Ticinensis, fronted on homonymous road Pavia (Fig. I). Excavations minute archaeological conducted 1930s, made it possible distinguish early Christian nucleus church complex from later additions, alterations, repairs.1 The components original plan are: tetraconch central building with galleried ambulatory four towers between exedrae; three monumental which open off conches: Aquilino south, Ippolito east, Sisto north; two apsed rooms, since destroyed, flanked Ippolito; large atrium an imposing streetside colonnade (Figs. 2, 3, 4). fabric can still be discerned, ground floor level at least, perimeter walls great corner piers; lower parts full height third, northeast; throughout octagon Aquilino, preserves cloister vault. An important aspect excavations cited was study foundations, yielded relative chronology various elements complex. foundations under rising walls, piers colonnades main quatrefoil are built cut blocks granite ceppo (a kind conglomerate) pieces cornices friezes harder stone called serizzo (gneiss). Apparently remains monumental, demolished building, appear also Ippolito, 6ooo them used construction platform, first discovered 1910 o, underlies chapel 5).2 Sisto, hand, do not contain any architectural fragments; they smallish ofceppo differ their depth form. Thus logical posit that identical bonded together, first, while resting comprise same materials but basilica, campaign, if perhaps phase.3 This originated 1968 seminar Prof. Richard Krautheimer, whose continued interest advice have been invaluable subsequent transformations. Additional research Italy Fulbright-Hays Grant generous grants H. Kress Foundation, National Gallery Washington Chester Dale Fellowship), American Academy Rome. To all people institutions, warmest thanks. photographs Figs. 2 5 obtained through kindness M. Mirabella Roberti. I. See A. Calderini, G. Chierici, C. Cecchelli, La Basilica di Milano (Milan [1952]). What follows here drawn information pp. 85-12o. On narthex, may component, see Mario Roberti, Una nota sul nartece San Lorenzo, Studi onore Carlo Castiglioni (Fontes Ambrosiani, xxxii, 1957), PP. 475ff. 2. For directed Annoni, R. Soprintendenza ai Monumenti della Lombardia, Relazione intorno alle ricerche ritrovamenti ed lavori fatti nella zona archeologica dall'ottobre 191o al dicembre 1911 (Milan, 1913), esp. ix-xi, 12-23. 3. detailed discussion date, as well function my article,  'Capella reginae': Milan, forthcoming Marsyas, xv.
Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians