Key Concepts of the Italian Renaissance

Renaissance

Period of cultural rebirth in Europe.

Firenze/Florence

City where the Renaissance began.

Humanism

Focus on human potential and achievements.

Brunelleschi's Dome of Duomo

Largest masonry dome, formerly largest dome in world. Built with 2 domes.

Brunelleschi

Architect known for the dome of Florence.

Pietra Serena

Neutral gray sandstone used in architecture.

Medici Family

Patrons of art and architecture in Florence.

Fresco

Technique of mural painting on wet plaster.

Linear Perspective

Technique for creating depth in art.

Baptistry of Florence

Biggest baptistry on Earth, located in Florence and constructed in year 1000. 3 squares, windows, etc. represented Holy Trinity.

Ghiverti

Artist known for the Baptistry doors.

Donatello

Famous sculptor of the Renaissance.

Michelangelo

Renowned sculptor and painter of the era. Painted the Sistine Chapel and sculpted Statue of David.

Gutenberg

Inventor of the printing press.

95 Theses

Martin Luther's critique of the Church.

Orsanmichele

Grainery with statues representing guilds.

Composite Columns

Architectural style combining Greek elements.

Triangular Pediment

Architectural feature adopted from Roman design.

Brunelleschi's Piazza

Square designed by architect Brunelleschi.

Herringbone Pattern

Brick pattern used in dome construction.

Cardinal Prince Leopold

Notable figure during the Renaissance period.

Cement Pozzolana

Material used in Roman construction, adopted to Italian architecture.

Medici Equestrian Statue

Statue symbolizing Medici power and influence.

Sibyls and Prophets

Figures painted in the Sistine Chapel.

Giorante

Part of fresco painting technique.

Lorenzo Magnifico

Patron of the arts, known as 'the Magnificent.'

Architectural Power

Used by families to display wealth.

Renaioli Pescaia

river connecting Florence and Pisa

Andrea Pisano North Doors

Ghiberti’s out of proportion doors

Ribs

Dome part- ladders to alleviate stress

Drum

Dome part- octangular wall around dome

Inside Dome

dome on dome

San Lorenzo Florence

Church adopting Triangular Pediments and Triumphant Arches

Uffizi

office building

Michelozzo Palazzo Medici

Built in 1444, 3 story building with line refinement. Bands between floors, so it becomes progressively smoother.

Medici’s Statue of Hades

Hades statue to flex knowledge

Sistine Chapel

Funded by Pope Sistine, forced Michelangelo to paint it, including famous “God and Adam”

Fresco

“fresh” in Italian, referred to plaster on a brick/stone wall painted over so it lasts forever.

Statue of David

Statue of Biblical David, constructed as celebration for driving Medici family out. Built perfectly, as it weighed over 6 tons.

Michelangelo’s Technique

OBSERVE marble early in the morning to see flaws with angled sunlight

TASTE powdered marble to detect minerals

FEEL for different temperatures in the block

Surface rustication

range of masonry techniques used in classical architecture giving visible surfaces a finish texture that contrasts with smooth, squared-block masonry called ashlar.

Cornice line

Greek horizontal molding on buildings