RENAISSANCE, BAROQUE, AND ROCOCO

RENAISSANCE

History

• Renaissance: “rebirth” - rebirth of classical culture

• Generally believed to have begun in Florence Italy after the Middle Ages during the 14th century and spread throughout Europe

• Reached its height between 1490 and 1520 (High Renaissance period)

• Florence was one of the most rich sites of trade and commerce in Europe (thanks to the Ottoman Empire, the biggest economic power in the region)

• The old paved roads that were destroyed during the fall of Rome were recovered near Milan and new roads were built that made Florence an international power player

• There was also a reintroduction of gold-based currency (Florin) which brought trade from all over the world.

• Increased trade and shortage of labor caused by the black death gave rise to the European middle class as workers demanded wages and better living conditions.

• Reintroduction of classical texts in Italy through the immigration of scholars after the fall of Constantinople and returning crusaders who experienced advanced Muslim civilizations

• The youth in Florence started to pursue art, philosophy, natural sciences, painting, sculpture, glasswork, poetry, architecture, and more forms of expression.

• Humanist philosophy (Humanism) was written – the idea that you should believe in a person’s ability to detect what is right from wrong, Inspired by Greek and Roman texts celebrating human creativity, and individual achievements, and man was the center of his universe and not God

• The movement expanded to other city-states: Venice, Milan, Rome, and Western and Northern Europe

• Development of printing by Guttenberg in Europe, little-known texts from humanist authors such as Petrarch were distributed which resulted in the rise of literature as an important aspect of everyday life. Divine Comedy by Dante, Prince by Machiavelli, and Hamlet by Shakespeare are examples of notable Renaissance pieces of literature

• The peak of the Renaissance was the development of the arts during the High Renaissance through Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo who were supported by the Medici family.

• The rise of the middle class and the rise of humanism made the Europeans question the role of the Catholic Church

• A German monk, Martin Luther, challenged the practices of the church and led a protestant reformation which was a revolutionary movement that caused the divide between the Catholic Church

• By the early 17th century, the Renaissance movement had fallen due to the invasion of Italian territories by neighboring powers and the Catholic Church's censorship of artists and writers as a response to the protestant reformation

• The establishment of the Inquisition (a judicial procedure that was established by the papacy) that made any views that challenged the Church (an act of heresy) punishable by death

Social

• Identity derived from class, family, occupation, and community

• Social hierarchy between noble and commoner, between landed and commercial wealth

• The local bishop was usually the principal claimant to lordship in the community

Climatic

• The transition from the Medieval Warm Period (900 CE to 1300 roughly coinciding with the Middle Ages in Europe) to the Little Ice Age (Mountain glaciers expanded at several locations: European Alps, New Zealand, Alaska, and Southern Andes, and the average temperature across the Northern Hemisphere declined by 0.6 degrees Celsius)

• Cold winters, cool and wet summers, and severe droughts.

Political

• Western Europe was divided between fairly small principalities, church lands, free cities and weak kingdoms.

• In the late medieval and Renaissance period, monarchs hold power and influence

• Larger states absorbed smaller states

• Presence of lords, vassals, strong independent class of artisans and merchants

• By 1200, most Italian cities were independent of lords and came to dominate their hinterland

• Power was monopolized by the elites (their strengths coming from landed and mercantile wealth), the popoli grossi

Architectural Terminologies

Classical orders and architectural elements form the vocabulary of Renaissance buildings. These include the ff:

• Columns: serves as a support for the weight of a ceiling (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Tuscan, and Composite)

• PIasters: used for coating, protecting internal walls and ceilings

• Pediments: triangle gable at the end of the roof slope over a portico

• Entablatures: assemblage of horizontal moldings and bands above columns

• Domes: hemispherical structure forming a ceiling or roof

Architectural Influences and Character

Influences:

• Classical Rome and Greece (influence from the symmetrical and geometrical proportioned buildings of classical Rome and Greece)

• Renaissance architects first studied the mass of Greco-Roman ruins (still seen in southern Europe). These include Basilicas, Roman baths, aqueducts, amphitheaters, and temples. They also studied Byzantine buildings, Romanesque architecture, and medieval buildings.

• Their next study point was the texts of Vitruvius written between 30 and 20 BCE. Architects studied the emphasis on symmetry and mathematical ratios.

Character: Harmonious form, mathematical proportion, and a unit of measurement based on the human scale

Early Renaissance (c. 1400 onwards) - first tentative reuse of classical ideas

• High Renaissance (c. 1500) - full revival of classicism

• Mannerism (Late Renaissance, c. 1520-30 onwards) - architecture became more decorative and reused classical themes

Materials

used variety of materials:

• Brick

• Stone

• Marble

• Stucco

• Timber

Notable Architects/ Persons (and contributions)

Filippo Brunellschi (1377-1446): considered the father of Renaissance architecture, the first Renaissance architect. He rediscovered the study of linear perspective known to the Greeks and Romans (a system of creating an illusion of depth on a flat surface) which was buried during the European Middle Ages, classical proportions and harmony in simplicity in the form of buildings. He also used the classical orders: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.

He was capable of engineering and statistics. He figured out a method to vault the dome of Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore

aka Duomo) and invented a machine to carry it out (large rotating cranes horizontal and vertical trolleys, levers, and winches with adjustable speed and its lantern (structure above the dome to illuminate the interior).

Leon Battista Alberti (1404-1472): architect, humanist, musician, and art theorist.

For him, architecture was not only for the means of the construction of buildings but a way to create meaning. He aspired to recreate the glory of ancient times through the use of architecture.

He based his facades on the Tempio Malatestiano (Rimini, 1459) and the Church of Santa Maria Novella (Florence, 1470) on Roman temple fronts (by using classical elements of Corinthian capitals).

Treatises on art:

Della Pittura (on painting) - fundamental handbook for artists about the principles behind linear perspective which was first developed by Filippo Brunelleschi

De Sculptura (on sculpture) - various techniques, theories, and principles artists must apply.

De re Aedificatoria (on architecture) - cataloged the definition of the principles of classical architecture and how they can be applied to contemporary Renaissance buildings wherein he emphasized that buildings should be visible from all sides and the designer should design the interior and exterior both in an impressive way in size and appearance. This book is hugely influential and was considered the “bible of Renaissance architecture,” which made Alberti known as the “Florentine Vitruvius.”

Andrea Pallaido (1508-1580): chief architect of the Venetian Republic

The first architect to systematize the plan used by the ancient Greco-Roman temple

(Influential) treatise: I quattro libri dell’architettura (Four Books on Architecture, 1570)

He specialized in domestic architecture as there was a demand for villas.

Designed two churches in Venice, San Giorgio Maggiore (1565) and Il Redentore (1576)

Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564): Italian Renaissance sculptor, painter, architect, and poet.

He created some of the most famous artworks during the Renaissance period.

Best known for the frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel

Pieta: now in St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica - Vatican City (Rome, Italy)

• The world’s largest church and the principal church for Catholicism

• Designers of the church are Michelangelo, Bramante, and Gian Bernini

• Designed as a three-aisled Latin cross with a dome at the crossing on top of the high altar covering the shrine of St. Peter the Apostle

Florence Cathedral - Florence (Tuscany, Italy)

• Also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or Duomo di Firenze

• Originally dates from 1296 with elements from Gothic Architecture

• The interior was not enclosed until the 15th century when the dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi

• Can accommodate 30,000 worshippers

• Notable for its stained-glass windows, ornate green, red and white marble facade

BAROQUE

Background and Events

History

• “Baroque” likely derives from the Italian “barocco” or Portugese “barroco”.

• Began as a reaction to The Protestant Reformation in 1517.

Early Baroque (1584 - 1625): Originated in late 16th century Italy. Marked with the emergence of Roman religious architecture.

High Baroque (1625 - 1675): Reached its peak in the 17th century. Gradually spread beyond Rome, towards the rest of Europe.

Late Baroque (1675 - 1750): Flourished across the entirety of Europe, alongside the Portuguese and Spanish colonies in the New World.

Different countries developed their own styles of Baroque architecture.

Social

• Baroque Architecture was first widely used in churches, and then branched out to palaces and civic structures.

• Created to combat the Protestant Reformation, using the Baroque style’s ability to convey strong emotions and spiritual themes in order to appeal to the masses.

• The renaissance period had led lprotest reformation

• Baroque Architecture’s focus on theatricality and emotive elements spread across Europe, bringing about more development in the dynamism of art and architecture, and how it affects the viewer.

Climatic

• Due to the geographical and climatic differences between the different areas in Europe, each country formed their own signature styles in Baroque Architecture.

• The popularity and relevance of Christianity during this time made it so that Baroque churches needed to be accommodating to the masses. It has been shown that many Baroque churches have higher thermal mass compared to newer churches, which means they have less indoor temperature fluctuations.

Political

• Baroque Architecture became a symbol of power and prestige.

• Monarchs and aristocrats used this style to demonstrate wealth and authority of the ruling class due to the theatrical nature of Baroque architecture.

Architectural Terminologies

• Cupolas - A relatively small dome-like structure crowning a larger roof or dome

• Colonnades - Long sequences of columns joined by their entablature

• Mansard Roof - A symmetrical multi-sided hip roof with two slopes on each of its sides

• Prothyrum - A space outside the door of a structure or building

• Reliquary - A container for relics

Architectural Influences and Character

• Characterized by ornamentation, exuberance, and artistic expression.

• Dramatic and elaborate, inspires awe and grandeur.

• Detailed and dynamic form complemented by a drive toward creative transcendence.

• Deeply influenced by Greek classicism and its revival in the Renaissance.

• Both a homage and reaction against Renaissance architecture; Borrows elements from Renaissance architecture and then augments them.

Materials

• Stucco

• Marble

• Brick

• Stone

• Wood

• Gold and silver for ornamentation

Common Features:

• Vaulted Cupolas (Domelike ceilings)

• Swiveling Colonnades (Rows of pillars)

• Double-sloped mansard roof (A hip roof with two slopes)

• Walls and Doorways made of rough stones and smooth stucco

• Elaborate decorations, sculptures, and motifs

• Luxuriant fabrics and furniture in interiors

Notable Architects

Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598–1680)

• An Italian sculptor and architect, considered the father of the Baroque movement.

• First developed his craftsmanship in his father Pietro’s workshop.

• He became widely known in Italy after he released a series of over-life size marble statues commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese.

• His famous works include the statue of Apollo and Daphne (1622-25), Baldacchino at St. Peter's Basilica (1623-34), and The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa (1647-52).

Francesco Borromini (1599–1667)

• Born Francesco Castelli, a Swiss Italian architect known for his extravagant and imaginative designs.

• A known rival to Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who’s designs were safer and much less experimental compared to Borromini.

• Secured his reputation throughout Europe with his design for a small church in Rome named San Carlo Alle Quattro Fontane.

• Due to his distressed mental state, he ultimately committed suicide after the completion of his final work, the Falconieri Chapel in the Basilica of San Giovanni dei Florentini.

• Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza is another church in Rome designed by Borromini

Guarino Guarini (1624–1683)

• A prominent architect in Northern Italy, as well as an engineer, mathematician, philosopher, and cosmologist.

• He advocated to harmonize both art and science to create rich emotions from structures.

• For unknown reasons, he was exiled from his home in Modena, Italy. This allowed him to continue his studies all across Europe, broadening his horizons and expanding his intellect.

• He used his architectural skills to imprint spirituality in his works, contributing to the Counter-Reformation.

Christopher Wren (1632–1723)

• One of the greatest architects in England during his time, as well as a genius astronomer, mathematician, anatomist, and inventor.

• His design for The Sheldonian Theatre was considered a tremendous achievement during the time due to its novel roof construction, raising his status and shifting his primary focus to architecture.

• After the Great Fire of London (1666), Wren was appointed Surveyor for Rebuilding the City Churches, and made him responsible for the creation of 53 London churches.

• His masterpiece is St. Paul’s Cathedral, which had taken 36 years to complete.

Notable Structures

Sant’Andrea al Quirinale (Rome, Italy)

• Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini

• Commissioned by Cardinal Camillo Pamphilj with the approval of Pope Alexander VII Chigi in 1658, was finished in 1670.

• Oval-shaped plan

• A semicircular staircase leading up to a curvilinear prothyrum, placed at the forefront of a simple facade.

• Decorated with colored marble, stucco decorations, and gildings

• The dome is coffered in gilded stucco figures, and is adorned with a lantern that emits different lighting effects during different times of the day.

San Carlo Alle Quattro Fontane (Rome, Italy)

• Designed by Francesco Borromini

• Commissioned by the Spanish Trinitarian (Mendicant) Order in 1638, and was finished in 1646

• Oval-shaped plan

• Primarily built out of stucco

• Dynamic usage of geometry and motion, warping and undulating walls with meticulous detail.

• Elliptical coffered dome, decorated with octagons, hexagons, and crosses.

ROCOCO

Historical

• Also considered as “Late Baroque”

• “Rococo” derives from the French term “rocaille”, which refers to the usage of pebbles and seashells as decorations and ornaments.

• Originated some time around 1720 to 1730.

• Spread largely through France and other places in Europe, such as Austria, Germany, Italy, and Russia.

• Considered to be the final expression of Baroque’s artistic spirit until it was eventually phased out in the 1770’s and was succeeded by Neoclassical Architecture.

Social

• Created as a response to Baroque Architecture, using more lighthearted and playful elements in its design.

• Rococo was popularized in salon decorations used to entertain guests, eventually becoming a fashionable trend in the 1720s.

Climatic

• Rococo buildings used high ceilings, cross-ventilation systems, and large windows to cool the interior.

Political

• Created as a reaction to the style propagated by Louis XIV, combating his strict ideas on what constitutes art and architecture.

• Due to Baroque’s imposing nature as established by many wealthy aristocrats, people sought to reinvent architecture with this more free and inviting style, amplifying the artistic expressiveness of Baroque as a whole.

Architectural terminologies

• Asymmetry - Lack of equivalence between parts of something

• Undulating -smoothly rising and falling outline

• Narthex - An enclosed porch or meeting area inside the western entrance of Christian churches

• Louis XIV Style - An architectural style propagated by King Louis XIV in France, a more regular and imposing variation of Baroque Architecture

Architectural Influences and Character

Influences: Greek, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture

Character:

• Walls, ceilings, and moldings were decorated with delicate interlacings of curves and counter curves based on “C” and “S” shapes with shell forms and other natural shapes.

• Has an asymmetrical design

• Light pastels, ivory white, and gold were the predominant colors

• Used mirrors to enhance the sense of open space

Materials

• Bronze

• Carved wood

• Stucco

• Marble

• Porcelain

Notable Architects/ Persons (and contributions)

Franciois de Cuvellies (1695-1768): French architect

Chief architect and decorator in the Bavarian Rococo style

Amalienburg hunting lodge, Nymphenburg (1734-39)

Facade of St. Cajetan’s Church (1765-68)

Johann Michael Fischer (1692-1766): German architect.

His churches are a centralized ground plan, rounded-off interior angles, interconnecting spaces, and rhythmically undulating patches of lush decoration, and large windows.

His greatest work is considered the Benedictine abbey church at Ottobeuren (1748-55). It is centered on three successive cupolas (a rounded roof or ceiling/dome) and decorated with sculpture, stuccowork, and paint.

Asam Church - Munich Bavaria Germany

• Also known as the St. John of Nepomuk Church

• Designed by the Asam brothers (Cosmas Damian and Egid Quirin) to serve as their private chapel during the mid-18th century

• The church interior and exterior contain typical elements from Rococo architecture such as gold leaf, extravagant details, and sculptures.

Pilgrimage Church of Wies - Wies Bavaria, Germany

• Dominikus Zimmermann

• Built from 1745-54

• Oval plan

• Semi-circular narthex

• Bright colors, intricate details, lavish materials, and different forms of Rococo artwork

• in 1737, tears were seen on a wooden figure of Christ. Pilgrims claimed to be cured of their sickness after praying to the statue. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.