The Colosseum is
one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering known to
mankind; making it a major tourist attraction in Rome, Italy, with over a
million tourists visiting the structure annually. Hence, it is no surprise that
the distinguished Leon Battista Alberti – Italian humanist, architect and
principal initiator of Renaissance art theory – drew inspiration from this outstanding
structure to create the Palazzo Rucellai.
Façade of Palazzo Rucellai designed by Leon Battista Alberti - 1446. |
Palazzo Rucellai
is an opulent 15th-century townhouse located on the Via della Vigna Nuova in Firenze (Florence), Italy. It was originally designed by Leon Battista
Alberti for the Rucellai family, a wealthy Tuscan mercantile family.3 The façade
has been the main “attention-grabber” for this structure, radiating the full
spirit of 15th-century humanism.4 It uses balance and proportion to
create an evident symmetry to its façade. The elegant design of this palace
marked a turning point in the architecture of aristocratic residences, setting
them apart from the former, more fortress-like structures.
Structural
elements of ancient Rome are resonated throughout the façade in its arches,
pilasters, and entablatures – themes which are echoed in the larger blocks on
the ground floor, which heighten the impression of strength and solidity.1 Comparable
to that of the Colosseum, Alberti uses three classical orders throughout three
tiers, to indicate upward advancement. Divided by horizontal entablatures that
run across the façade, the first tier acts as the root of the building, giving
it a sense of strength. This character is achieved by using cross-hatched, or
rusticated stones that run across the very bottom of the building. This is also
achieved through the use of square-shaped windows and thresholds, as well as
the use of post and lintel construction in the place of arches that align above
it. The second tier emits a softer feeling due to the use of smaller stones, which
is emphasized by the rounded arches of the windows, a familiar Roman feature. The
third and last tier also uses smaller stones to give the feeling of lightness,
as well as continuing the use of rounded arches to frame the windows, identical
to that of the second tier; the difference between the second and third tier is
the decrease in height. Each tier decreases in height from the bottom to the
top.2
Elevation of Palazzo Rucellai. |
The overall
horizontality of this façade is called “trabeated” architecture, which Alberti
thought was most fitting for the homes of nobility.2 Each tier is tied together
through the use of pilasters running vertically across the façade. Although, each
pilaster is of a different order: first tier – Tuscan order, second tier – Ionic order, third tier – Corinthian order.
Perspective of Palazzo Rucellai showing use of materials, symmetry, proportion, etc. |
Based on the use
of its pilasters and entablatures in proportional relationship to each other,
Alberti’s impressive façade was one of the first to proclaim the new ideas of
Renaissance architecture.4 Renaissance architecture places importance on
symmetry, proportion, geometry and the consistency of parts as they are
demonstrated in the architecture of classical antiquity and ancient Roman
architecture.
The interior of
the palace consists of a central courtyard. This is mainly due to the fact that
the palace was created from a district of eight smaller buildings combined to
form a single architectural complex, surrounding a courtyard.1 The grand Loggia
Rucellai also exists diagonally across Palazzo Rucellai, mirroring the style of
the palace’s façade. The loggia, a classical construction of three large
rounded arches, is known for the architrave, which possesses the decorative
motive of the Rucellai coat of arms: a sail blowing in the wind.
Loggia Rucellai depicting Rucellai coat of arms above each arch. |
Palazzo Rucellai
is no longer the home of merchant nobles, but instead holds the school Institute of Fine and Liberal Arts
within. Nevertheless, the palace is amongst many tourists’ checklist when
visiting and examining the city of Firenze in Italy. It is an excellent example
of Florentine Renaissance palazzi per reviewers on TripAdvisor, and ultimately
just pleasing to the eye (credits due to its symmetry).5 The Palazzo became a
precedent for future buildings such as the Palazzo della Cancelleria (later the
Papal Chancery, in Rome)3 making it an influential landmark to Italian
architecture.
1 "The History of Palazzo
Rucellai." ISI Florence - Study Abroad in Florence, Italy. ISI Florence -
Study Abroad in Florence, Italy, n.d. Web.
2 Zappella,
Christine. "Alberti, Palazzo Rucellai." Khan Academy. Khan Academy,
n.d. Web.
3 "Palazzo Rucellai." Encyclopedia
Britannica Online. Ed. Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica, 12
Aug. 2009. Web.
4 Murray, Peter. "3: Alberti." The
Architecture of the Italian Renaissance. London: Thames & Hudson, 1969.
51-61. Print.
5 RonL40. "Beautiful Building in
Florentine Style." Rev. of Palazzo Rucellai. n.d.: n. pag. Trip Advisor.
29 June 2015. Web.
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI was hoping you may be able to advise the copyright owner of the first image above ' Façade of Palazzo Rucellai designed by Leon Battista Alberti - 1446.'..and provide a contact?
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ReplyDeleteI was hoping you may be able to advise the copyright owner of the first image above ' Façade of Palazzo Rucellai designed by Leon Battista Alberti - 1446.'..and provide a contact?
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI was hoping you may be able to advise the copyright owner of the first image above ' Façade of Palazzo Rucellai designed by Leon Battista Alberti - 1446.'..and provide a contact?
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI was hoping you may be able to advise the copyright owner of the first image above ' Façade of Palazzo Rucellai designed by Leon Battista Alberti - 1446.'..and provide a contact?
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI was hoping you may be able to advise the copyright owner of the first image above ' Façade of Palazzo Rucellai designed by Leon Battista Alberti - 1446.'..and provide a contact?
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI was hoping you may be able to advise the copyright owner of the first image above ' Façade of Palazzo Rucellai designed by Leon Battista Alberti - 1446.'..and provide a contact?