Italian Renaissance Art and Architecture: 15th Century
The Italian Renaissance: Quattrocento
The Renaissance was a period when humanity was seen as the center of the universe. This period saw the rise of great humanists and artists, often sponsored by powerful patrons like the Medici, Sforza, and the Papacy. The habit of acquiring prestige through art gave new value to artists.
15th and 16th Century Renaissance
The Renaissance began in Italy and had two main phases:
- The 15th century, known as the Quattrocento
- The 16th century, which is divided into the Cinquecento (until 1527) and Mannerism (until 1594)
Quattrocento Architecture
The Italian Quattrocento was centered in Florence. In architecture, proportion, symmetry, and unity were the basis of Renaissance design. Mathematical principles were used to achieve harmony in buildings.
Key Characteristics of Quattrocento Architecture
- Use of classical building blocks: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Tuscan, and Composite orders, as well as the half-point arch and coffered ceilings.
- Facades dominated by horizontality.
- Padded walls decorated with motifs from classical antiquity.
- Temples designed with great mathematical precision, both centralized and Latin cross basilica plans.
- Materials used include ashlar bricks, padded masonry, and marble linings.
- Various types of buildings were constructed, including churches and palaces.
Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446)
Filippo Brunelleschi, along with Donatello and Masaccio, was a key figure in Florence. He initially lost a competition to Ghiberti but later went to Rome. In 1410, he returned to Florence as an architect and painter. His most famous work is the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Other notable works include the Church of San Lorenzo.
Leon Battista Alberti (1404-1472)
Leon Battista Alberti was the perfect prototype of a humanist, possessing knowledge of theater, music, law, and painting. He wrote various treatises on art, including De Pictura, De Re Aedificatoria, and De Statua. His notable works include the Church of San Andrés, the Rucellai Palace, and the Malatesta Temple.
Quattrocento Sculpture
Italy saw an abundance of works in classical sculpture during this period. The transition from Gothic sculpture to Renaissance sculpture occurred during the Quattrocento.
Characteristics of Italian Quattrocento Sculpture
- Naturalism: Similarity between the work and the model.
- Human Figure as the Main Theme: The nude becomes important.
- Sculptural Independence: Development of figures in the round.
- Application of Perspective: Greater realism in works.
- Diversification of Subjects: Religious, pagan, allegorical, mythological, etc. The portrait becomes important.
Prominent sculptors of this period include Ghiberti, Donatello, Jacopo della Quercia, and Andrea del Verrocchio.
Lorenzo Ghiberti (1378-1445)
Lorenzo Ghiberti used a new style and was a great humanist. His bronze technique treated figures and landscapes in great relief. He was selected in a competition to beautify the Baptistery with a scene of the Sacrifice of Isaac. His most important works are the Gates of Paradise and the North Doors of the Baptistery.
Donatello (1386-1466)
Donato di Niccolò, known as Donatello, is considered the most important sculptor of the Quattrocento. His characteristics include strong realism, naturalism, and highly expressive and emotional depictions of humans in all stages of life. He used the stiacciato (crushed) technique in bas-relief. Notable works include The Feast of Herod, David, and Saint George.