Architecture In Italian Renaissance

Renaissance: This term refers to a period in Italian history, initially considered to have begun in the late 13th Century, where the styles of art and architecture began a transformation from the earlier Gothic or Middle Ages style of architecture, dominated by France, to a more classical representation of the early style or Greco-Roman influences. One of the most prominent examples of the transformations taking place during the Renaissance can be seen in the Nicola Pisano, pulpit of the baptistry, Pisa, Italy. The use of columns topped with Corinthian style capitals, supporting trefoil arches, which in turn create the base for deeply carved relief sculpture, reminiscent of early Etruscan and Roman sarcophagi reliefs, shows a respect for

During this period most art and architecture was focused within the monastic communities and religious fervor was the predominant theme. In its own right, this period of art and architectural history produced innovations which can be seen to have influenced the structures and churches being built during the early period of the Italian Renaissance. Take for example the church façade of Orvieto Cathedral designed by the architect Lorenzo Maitani or Sienna Cathedral, whose facades resemble earlier Gothic cathedrals such as Reims and Amiens in France, with their large rose window and towering spires. The influences are unmistakable yet the evolution of transformation is apparent so that it more resembles an alter screen with painted panels, rather than the typical all over relief carving of the churches of the Middle Ages. See images 14-12 Lorenzo, Orvieto Cathedral (looing northeast), Orvieto, Italy, began 1310. (page

Rather than merely focusing on monastic teachings and learning a trade, a proper education began to consist of mathematics, philosophy, art, and sciences. These changes fostered a belief about the way that people looked at the world around them. A barrier between classis distinction began to become less important, as much as improving the human condition emerged as a humanistic philosophy. The influence of humanism can be seen with the introduction of the bubonic plague during the middle ages which fostered the building of hospitals and the Franciscan and Dominican monastic orders grew out of a belief of shedding worldly possessions for a life of faithfulness to God and servitude within the community. One of the most notable architects of Humanism is St. Francis of Assisi, whose image can be seen in the St. Francis alter piece created by Bonaventura Berlinghieri, which shows the good works of this saint within the community and relates a pictorial narrative of what St. Francis preached as virtuous life. See image 14-5 Bonaventura Berlinghieri, St. Francis Altarpiece, San Frencesco, Pescia, Italy, 1235, Tempera on wood 5’ x 3’ x 6’ (page