Monumental Renaissance Architecture: The Evolution of Grand Structures

Introduction

• The Renaissance was a transformative era affecting various aspects of human society and introduced a new age of architecture.
• Renaissance architecture significantly altered residential structures, churches, cathedrals, and palaces.
• It is seen as an amalgamation of previous styles (Gothic and Romanesque) rather than a completely distinct style.
• Key characteristics: symmetry, harmony, proportion, and classical influence.
• Renaissance architecture is sometimes described as “a marriage of the Gothic with the Greek”.

Romanesque Architecture

• It is the earliest of the three styles, emerging around 1000 CE.
• It is described as “architecture that had some relationship to ancient Roman work but nevertheless represented a ‘vitious [sic] deviation’ away from it.”
• It shares commonalities with Gothic architecture and is considered a precursor to the Gothic style.
• Common features include isolated capitals, columns, imposts in supports and arches, and wooden beams in the superstructure.

Gothic Architecture

• Began in the mid-twelfth century and lasted until the sixteenth century, overlapping with the Renaissance.
• It is characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and spires to create a sense of grandeur.
• Initially considered barbaric despite its later influence.
• Examples: Milan Cathedral, Cologne Cathedral, and Notre Dame de Paris.
• The Gothic style evolved into the Renaissance style.
• Vasari believed that styles, like human bodies, have a birth, growth, aging, and death.
• Death of a style occurs when no further contribution of importance is made from any external source.

Distinguishing Renaissance Architecture

• The lines separating Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture are blurred, raising questions about the distinctiveness of the Renaissance style.
• The Renaissance represents a transformation in design principles, aesthetics, and cultural values.
• It marked a departure from previous styles through its focus on symmetry, proportion, and classical inspiration.

Proportion

• Proportions are key components of structures, displaying wealth, influence, and power.
• For example, architectural plans for Francis I’s royal residence, the Louvre, were dissimilar but shared the ideals of grandeur and magnificence.
• Proportion is also apparent in religious structures, showing human creativity and serving as sacred spaces.
• Renaissance architects adapted proportions to perfect structures and spaces.
• They possessed