San Sebastiano's Temple

Here is the decorative element of the cornices and pendentives, which probably cannot be traced back to the time of Alberti, but most certainly pre-date the Schiavi restoration. It is conceivable that they were constructed during this vast intervening period. As Calzona notes, however, a simple solution that was part of the original project should not be ruled out, as the function was to interrupt the gaze and create a barrier between the vault and the arms of the Greek cross. The subtle interplay of the recesses and their pendentives is also quite striking.