12.3 The revival of classical architectural elements

The revival of classical architectural elements marked a pivotal shift in Early Renaissance design. Architects like Brunelleschi and Alberti drew inspiration from ancient Roman structures, incorporating columns, pediments, and arches into their work. This fusion of classical and contemporary styles defined the era's aesthetic.

These revived elements weren't mere copies but adaptations suited to Renaissance needs. Architects selectively integrated classical features, creating harmonious designs that reflected humanist ideals. This approach transformed Italian architecture, setting the stage for the artistic innovations that followed.

Classical Elements of the Early Renaissance

The Revival of Classical Orders

Top images from around the web for The Revival of Classical Orders

• 

  Orden corintio - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Classical order - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Orden corintio - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Classical order - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

Top images from around the web for The Revival of Classical Orders

• 

  Orden corintio - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Classical order - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Orden corintio - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Classical order - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

• The classical orders of architecture (Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian) were revived during the Early Renaissance
  • Each order has distinct proportions, decorative elements, and symbolic meanings
  • The Doric order is characterized by its simplicity, with a plain capital and no base
  • The Ionic order features scrolled capitals and a more ornate entablature
  • The Corinthian order is the most elaborate, with a capital decorated with acanthus leaves
• Columns, both engaged and freestanding, became a prominent feature in Early Renaissance architecture
  • Used to support arches, frame doorways and windows, and create rhythmic patterns on building facades
  • Engaged columns are attached to walls, while freestanding columns stand independently
  • Examples include the columns in the courtyard of the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi in Florence

Classical Elements in Facades and Ornamentation

• Pilasters, flat rectangular columns attached to walls, were used to create vertical emphasis and provide visual support
  • Often used in combination with columns to frame windows and doorways
  • Pilasters can be decorated with the same orders as columns (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian)
  • Examples include the pilasters on the facade of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella in Florence
• Pediments, triangular gables often decorated with relief sculptures, were placed above doorways, windows, and porticos
  • Create a sense of grandeur and classical elegance
  • Can be triangular or segmental in shape
  • Examples include the pediment above the entrance of the Tempio Malatestiano in Rimini
• Other classical elements such as arches, vaults, and domes were also revived and incorporated into Early Renaissance architecture
  • Arches were used to span openings and support weight, often in combination with columns or pilasters
  • Vaults and domes were used to cover large spaces and create a sense of height and grandeur
  • Examples include the dome of the Florence Cathedral, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi

Revival of Classical Architecture

Rediscovery of Ancient Texts and Humanism

• The rediscovery of ancient Roman texts, particularly Vitruvius' "De Architectura," sparked a renewed interest in classical architecture
  • Vitruvius' text provided detailed descriptions and principles of classical design that inspired Renaissance architects
  • Other ancient texts, such as those by Pliny the Elder and Alberti's "De Re Aedificatoria," also contributed to the revival
• The humanist movement, which emphasized the study of classical literature, philosophy, and art, contributed to the revival of classical architecture
  • Humanists saw classical architecture as a representation of the ideals and values of ancient Greece and Rome
  • The study of classical texts and ruins became an essential part of the education of Renaissance architects

Patronage and the Desire for a New Architectural Style

• The desire to create a new architectural style that reflected the cultural and intellectual aspirations of the Renaissance led architects to look to classical models for inspiration
  • Classical architecture was seen as a way to break from the Gothic style and establish a new, more rational and harmonious aesthetic
  • The Renaissance ideal of the "universal man" (uomo universale) encouraged architects to master multiple disciplines, including classical architecture
• Patronage from wealthy individuals, such as the Medici family in Florence, encouraged the revival of classical architecture
  • Patrons commissioned buildings that showcased their power, wealth, and cultural sophistication
  • Classical elements were seen as a means to achieve this and to associate patrons with the prestige of ancient Rome
  • Examples include the Medici Palace in Florence, commissioned by Cosimo de' Medici and designed by Michelozzo

Renaissance Architectural Adaptation

Selective Integration and Adaptation of Classical Elements

• Renaissance architects did not simply copy classical elements but instead adapted them to suit their own design sensibilities and the needs of their patrons
  • Combined classical elements with local building traditions and materials to create a distinct Early Renaissance style
  • Architects such as Filippo Brunelleschi and Leon Battista Alberti studied classical ruins and texts to understand the principles of classical design
  • They also experimented with new proportions, materials, and construction techniques to create innovative designs
• The integration of classical elements was often selective and strategic
  • Architects chose specific elements, such as columns or pediments, to emphasize certain parts of a building or to create a particular visual effect
  • They also adapted the scale and proportions of classical elements to suit the size and function of the building
  • Examples include Brunelleschi's Ospedale degli Innocenti in Florence, which features a loggia with Corinthian columns and rounded arches

Harmony, Proportion, and Symbolism in Renaissance Architecture

• Renaissance architects used classical elements to create a sense of harmony, balance, and proportion in their designs
  • Employed mathematical ratios and geometric shapes derived from classical architecture to achieve a sense of unity and coherence
  • The use of symmetry and the golden ratio became important principles in Renaissance architectural design
  • Examples include Alberti's facade for the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, which features a harmonious arrangement of classical elements
• The adaptation of classical elements also served symbolic and ideological purposes
  • By incorporating classical elements into their designs, Renaissance architects sought to associate their buildings with the prestige and authority of ancient Rome
  • Classical elements were used to express the cultural and intellectual values of the Renaissance, such as humanism, rationality, and the revival of classical learning
  • Examples include the Tempio Malatestiano in Rimini, which Alberti designed to symbolize the humanist ideals of the patron, Sigismondo Malatesta