Italian Renaissance

Renaissance literally means rebirth. The Italian Renaissance began in Florence, Italy around 1400 and lasted until around 1600. The classical forms were from ancient Rome were refined and adapted for new uses. During this time, the idea was to furnish interiors of Gothic and Romanesque structures. There was a shift at this time, from a religious to a secular emphasis. The Roman Catholic Church had become very powerful but also corrupt. Reforms within the Church began with Martin Luther. The arts, literature and architecture were huge parts of the Italian Renaissance, and the printing press was invented which made copying books much easier. The Medici family was a very powerful and influential family of this time. Lorenzo De Medici was a businessman, banker, and patron of the arts. Everyone, rich or poor, at this time were interested in different forms of art. Residential design became popular during this time to show off the wealth of the family living there and it begins with the wealthy businessmen. Wealthy families hired long term employees, these included architects, painters, furniture designers and sculptors. There was an emphasis on horizontal and symmetrical design at this time. The Polazzo was a style of architecture of the time that included three horizontal divisions, compound windows, and a heavy projecting cornice. There was a central courtyard like the Roman Domus, no hallways, living quarters on the second and third floors, and walls with niches. The ground floor might include, shops, summer apartments, kitchen, bathrooms, and storage. There was also a grand staircase to the Piano Mobile (the main living area on the second floor). The Florence Cathedral was built by Brunelleschi in 1420-1438 and is the main cathedral in Florence; it was inspired by the Pantheon, but the dome is more of an egg shape. Burnelleschi is the first acknowledged renaissance architect. Andrea Palladio was the most influential architect of all the renaissance. He wrote the four boojs of architecture and inspired Indigo Jones as well as Thomas Jefferson. He designed the Villa Rotonda and described it as perfect.

Classic Examples:

Villa Rotonda

Florence Cathedral

Palazzo Farnese

Modern Examples:

Capitol Building

Palazzo design

Peer Review:
Haley: I liked how she talked about the emphasis on interior architecture like the ceilings and fireplaces.
Karri: I liked how in-depth her information was and he pictures were excellent