History of Art and Architecture

 What is the development and impact of art on architecture? Is it a direct or indirect process? This question has been answered with both a sense of the answer and a reflection on human nature. The first step of analysis is to understand the role architecture plays within society, with its own unique contributions to the world we live in. It was only after this realization that the subject became more important and so it is of interest to consider how the arts have defined the landscape of architectural design. This study will attempt to answer some of these questions by looking at three cases – Venice, Florence, and Rome. Then, while examining each case separately, the purpose of this study will be to assess the contribution of different art forms in defining these cities’ spatial contexts. The paper will then conclude by attempting to relate their meanings to current events and developments related to urban form and culture.

Venice Architecture (1250-1300)

A brief overview of Italian architecture, from around 1300 until 1500 AD. Although most architects’ work is credited with being inspired by Roman models, there are several instances where Gothic, Baroque, or Renaissance buildings can be found in the city. In fact, many buildings designed before 1400 reflect features borrowed for use in modern times. However, throughout the Middle Ages architecture developed into one that would be synonymous with classical style, creating a standard form that could easily be adopted by architects even today. These designs were often referred to as “Transepts” because they allowed for the integration of decorative elements that had traditionally been considered exclusive to interior design. For instance, columns, pilasters, gable roofs, and cornices were all considered typical of interiors rather than exterior construction which would later become associated with exterior ornamentation, but not without controversy.

N0 3 Venice city 

The transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture began in 1350 marked by massive construction projects such as the famous Palazzi d’Este. In addition to bringing new inspiration and creativity to interior architecture, it also brought changes in construction methods. Because these structures leaned on stylized forms, builders used bricks as a structural material to create a concrete framework, leaving the walls completely exposed and unbridled; this allowed the construction of more elaborate decorations like chandeliers, spandrels, window glass, stained glass, and paneling. As well as providing structure to the facade, windows and doors were used in conjunction with other materials to provide privacy against the light. By contrast, Romanesque homes often had narrow doors as a way to limit the amount of light passing through the home, leaving windows and doors more open to allow them to serve double functions: as openings in the wall and as additional spaces between rooms. While some designers argued that the separation of space and function by using light and dark provided a means of enhancing privacy, others believed that it would further obstruct natural lighting, leading to the creation of artificial shadows. Ultimately, the goal of all these innovations was to bring about the effect of mystery and darkness. In essence, Romanesque architecture was almost entirely based on beauty rather than practicality.

Florentine Architecture (1300-1400)

Florence, a cultural center known for its ancient religious monuments. Like Venice, Florence is located on the banks of a river in Italy and serves as a major transportation hub. Despite having no central political center as Venice did, Florence was the main port during the early Middle ages and held key positions in trade between Europe and Asia, including ports that led to globalization. Similar to Porto Sotto-Marmelos in Venice, the Ponte Vecchio was the ideal anchorage point for ships because it offered protection from attack by pirates at sea, a route to East Indies, and the entrance to the Alps. In 1355, Lorenzo de Medici set up a government and military presence at Florence to control the area in the hope of keeping the region safe from invaders while maintaining the stability of his power. Unlike Venice which relied heavily on maritime commerce, however, Florence centered most of its attention elsewhere with much of the construction taking place to beautify, elevate, and improve the living conditions of local residents. Most of the grandeur of Florentine architecture dates back to the period immediately following the death of Grand Duke Robert I, who ruled Florence for over 16 years. During his reign, he built churches, palaces, villas, schools, hospitals, baths, gardens, libraries, and much else that changed the course of European civilization. In addition to beautiful art and sculpture, he built himself into the hearts of Florentines and his influence continues in the contemporary architectural styles across Europe. He was particularly influential in the advancement of Renaissance architecture as seen by his commissioning of Michelangelo as a sculptor. Another man whose legacy lives on is Brunelleschi, another master of Renaissance architecture in Florence who created elegant domed towers alongside prominent buildings such as St. Mark’s Cathedral, Santa Maria Delle Grazie, and Santa Croce. Even though the building of those churches was undoubtedly influenced by their predecessors, Florentine architects continued to innovate their buildings as they added frescoes to existing cathedrals, frescoes to altars inside churches, frescos of scenes from myths and saints, and monumental tapestries in churches, palaces, houses, and beyond. From the very beginning, Florentine architects sought to emphasize the beauty and grace of God.

This idea is clearly evident in numerous examples of decorated churches, chapels, and basilicas that can be found in the city. One example of the importance placed upon the concept of beauty is the dome of San Giacomo which can be seen here located inside the church – although this dome did not exist when the Church of Saint Francis was destroyed in 1454 because of a fire in the tower. Within the past century, the design has been redesigned so that what once seemed simple was now magnificent in its simplicity and design. Other examples of beautiful architecture can be seen outside of churches and villas as well as inside. Examples include Palazzo Strozzi di Borgo, Villa Borgese (Benedictio Borgese), Villa Fiammetta Venezia, Villa Castello, etc. Overall, the buildings themselves have been altered and beautified but the overall effect still remains the same.

Romantic and Baroque Architectural Styles (1415-1900)

The beginnings of the great renaissance in Western architecture began in the late fifteenth century with the emergence of two powerful monarchies–the Republic of Naples and the Kingdom of Milan. They both utilized a common system of patronage and law known as feudalism. Each dynasty developed a distinctive type of architect while contributing toward the growth of Renaissance architecture. In particular, the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, and Pierro Pisano are significant in developing the baroque style. Although Italians may look at these works and feel proud because of the beauty of their creations, it is also necessary to consider the circumstances under which they were commissioned. Both Neapolitan and Milanic rulers employed wealthy patrons to fund expensive works of art for their respective kingdoms because the country had never experienced such rapid growth. This reliance on patronage became the foundation of Baroque architecture as a distinct architectural style. According to scholars, this reliance is largely due to the inability of the former kingdom to find successors who could offer the same level of support and wealth needed to continue constructing projects. Over time and with the rise of Protestantism, however, Pope Urban II prohibited any secular use of the property and confiscated possessions as a means to force the sale of offsite pieces of land. Consequently, Neapolitan leaders were unable to recruit or retain enough workers to produce enough wealth to finance these large-scale projects. With the lack of support, they were forced into exile, which made architectural projects impossible.

While the political situation of southern Italy remained stable, the northern parts of Italy were undergoing drastic social change. Wealthy landowners from the north migrated west to take advantage of newly available tax revenues and started growing cotton plantations that provided substantial income. To the right, the peasants moved west to help provide labor and money for the increasingly profitable plantations. Since wealthy people needed servants for farm work, wealthy peasants began taking jobs in cities for less pay. As a result of the exodus of middle-class workers, wealthy citizens became impoverished, which caused them to seek ways to replace the meager earnings they obtained from agriculture, such as investing in luxuries and purchasing real estate. Eventually, the rich resorted to selling these luxuries and real estate to farmers in order to generate cash for the investments, a strategy is known as speculation. Ultimately, this economic disruption led the working class into conflict with owners by introducing a wage differential between skilled laborers and unskilled workers, giving birth to Capitalism. Eventually, landowners decided to abandon manual labor in favor of machines and hired men and women who had greater skills to do the same jobs. The outcome resulted in the decline of urban life and mass migration of the poor into cities while the elite relocated to the countryside to provide security against potential attacks from peasant revolts. This influx of new arrivals was accompanied by significant improvements in infrastructure like roads, bridges, canals, schools, shops, and hotels.

Although historians agree that this movement into the capital led to dramatic improvements in public health and sanitation, along with the opening of hundreds of private institutions, urban centers became crowded. This lead to congestion, noise, and violence. A combination of inflation and low levels of education among lower-income workers led to a population growth that was difficult to control and which led to unrest and riots within the towns. The effects were widespread as populations grew dramatically. The increase in demand for housing combined with poverty pushed out the supply of cheap land.