Week 8- The Italian Renaissance

 

What I Learned

The Italian Renaissance was a period of rebirth from the classical ideas of ancient Rome. After the Gothic and Romanesque periods, design became more focused on humanism than ever before. It used to be more focused on religion and climate even. Humanism in architecture celebrates human beauty and knowledge. The Medici were a wealthy family that supported artists and architects during this time; they forever changed European design!

Some of the key elements in this period were the emphasis of balance, symmetry, and proportion. Renaissance palaces called Palazzi reflected these elements in facades, windows, and grand cornices. The Palazzo Rucellai by Alberti was the first to use classical designs on the front facades, while the Palazzo Farnese by Michelangelo used a very large scale and geometric composition. 

The interiors during this time reflected order and refinement. They used elements such as coffered ceilings, pilasters, fresco-painted walls, and terra cotta or marble flooring patterns. The furniture was more functional as well as decorative. The furniture used detailed carvings, gilding, and inlaid stone. Some famous pieces of the renaissance include the sedia chair, cassone chest, and florentine tables.

Favorite Examples

Palazzo Farnese, Rome, by Antonio da Sangallo and Michelangelo! Uses symmetry and classical detailing as well as heavy cornice 

Villa Rotonda, Vicenza, by Andrea Palladio. Focuses on a central dome and has 4 identical facades using classical porticos.

Sistine Chapel Ceiling in Vatican City, by Michelangelo uses fresco paintings in one-point perspectives to emphasize human ideas

David by Michelangelo is located in Florence, Italy! It uses the renaissance idea of human beauty 

Cassone was a renaissance bridal chest made out of carved wood and gilded detailing. It focuses on furniture as art and is usually painted with biblical or mythological scenes.

---

Current Applications

Modern Palladian style house uses symmetry and temple front entry

Coffered ceiling in modern home adds dimension and beauty

Ritz Paris lobby uses marble flooring, arches, and gilded furniture inspired by the renaissance era

Console table inspired by the renaissance uses intricate carvings that high end companies sell today.

One Step Further: Michelangelo Buonarroti

Michelangelo was a key figure during this time. He is known as the “Renaissance Man.” He was all the things: sculptor, architect, painter, and poet. He has a huge impact on modern art today. His most famous sculptures are of David and Pieta. The sculptures emphasize human expression and spirituality. His paintings (frescoes) in the sistine chapel made the ceiling a canvas of one-point perspective beauty. He also designed St. Peter's Basilica as an architect, which was a blend of his artistic abilities and engineering precision. His use of sculpture and architecture overall influenced how interior and exterior spaces are created today.

Pieta

St. Peter's Basilica

Michelangelo

The creation of adam painting

Reflection

The Italian Renaissance was a time that redefined how architecture and interiors shifted from heavy and dark to light and graceful. It is an expression of human achievement. These principles are very timeless, which means the beauty never goes out of style. You can see renaissance style in modern homes today and cathedral domes. Overall, the renaissance taught designers to build spaces that uplift the human spirit!