Renaissance Architecture

 

In the early 15th century, European culture became inspired by the rediscovery of classical literature, art, and architecture. This time became known as the Renaissance. Italy was the center of this rediscovery. The movement started in Florence where architecture was influenced by the use of orders, round arches, the barrel vault, and the dome, which are all Roman features.

In both France and England, a classical style was not established until the beginning to the middle of the 17th century. In France, the leader in this movement was architect Francois Mansart, and in England, Inigo Jones.

Filippo Brunelleschi was the most renown of the Renaissance architects. He combined Roman features with a new sense of proportion. The cathedral of Santa Maria degli Angeli incorporated a vast dome and Corinthian columns. He set the pace for other architects of Florence. Later a more monumental version of the style was designed by Donato Bramante, Raphael, and Michelangelo, as demonstrated in their many plans for Saint Peter's Basilica.

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Renaissance

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