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The Architecture of the Italian Renaissance -- Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

Today I read chapter three of the book The Architecture of the Italian Renaissance written by Murray. This chapter is mainly about Alberti and Humanism. Leon Battista Alberti was an Italian architect, humanist, scholar, and writer who lived during the 15th century. He is considered one of the most prominent figures of the Italian Renaissance. Alberti made significant contributions to various fields, including architecture, painting, sculpture, and literature. Alberti's architectural style was characterized by a revival of classical elements and a focus on harmonious proportions. He sought to reconcile ancient Roman architectural principles with contemporary architectural needs, blending tradition with innovation. Notable architectural works attributed to Alberti include the Church of Sant'Andrea in Mantua and the Tempio Malatestiano in Rimini.

Leon Battista Alberti, 1404-1472

    In this chapter, I was most interested in the building Basilica di Santa Maria Novella. Basilica di Santa Maria Novella is a church in Florence, Italy. It was designed by the famous Italian Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi and construction began in 1296 and was not completed until 1887. Located in one of the main squares in the center of Florence, the New Basilica is a Gothic building with a high vault and a beautifully carved facade. One of the oldest and most important churches in the city, the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella has undergone many renovations and additions, and has gradually incorporated elements of the Renaissance and Baroque style.

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, 1360

    I chose this building because I was very interested in the facade of this building. The facade of the Church of the New Virgin Mary is one of the most iconic examples of Renaissance Italian architecture. It was designed by Alberti, who came to terms with the old Gothic style and tried to recreate it. He designed the facade by dividing the entire space so that the height of the building is equal to the width, thus forming a large square. This square facade is divided by simple mathematical proportions, which is what I am most interested in. Simple mathematical proportions can be used to make the whole facade look more harmonious. 1:1, 1:2, 1:4 was the ratio Alberti applied to all of his work, and it became a hallmark of his work. Alberti often stressed the need for such simple and harmonious proportions. It was this reliance on mathematics that really distinguished Alberti from his predecessors.

Facade of Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, drawn by Alex



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