Masterpieces of Cinquecento Italian Architecture

The Cinquecento: Artistic Breakthroughs

Cinquecento: The artistic breakthroughs of the Quattrocento, which were dominated by harmony and balance, coincided with the first third of the century, giving way to a Mannerist language that affected Europe and served as the transition time to the Baroque. The arts capital moved from Florence to Papal Rome. The nobles and priests, such as Julius II, Leo X, and Paul III, became great patrons.

Architecture: General Features

Architecture was inspired by classical models seeking harmony and proportion. Importance was given to the effect of the whole and monumentality. The central plan was frequently used. Highlights include Bramante, whose work reflects the ornamental abundance of the Quattrocento, yet his architecture is great and severe. The temple of San Pietro in Montorio is one of his great works. He also designed the new St. Peter's Basilica. Upon Bramante's death, Raphael of Urbino was commissioned for the works of this basilica. Antonio da Sangallo the Younger continued the works of the Vatican and created the Palazzo Farnese.

The Peak of Michelangelo Buonarroti

With Michelangelo Buonarroti, the quintessential Renaissance artist, Cinquecento architecture reached its peak and predicted the introduction of the Baroque. In his first stage, he performed the Florentine Staircase of the Laurentian Library and the Medici funerary chapel.

In Rome, he concluded the Palazzo Farnese, initiated by Sangallo. The pontiff mandated the urban reform of the Capitoline Hill (Capitol Square). The great work of Michelangelo was the completion of the Vatican basilica, where he is the author of the dome, inspired by that of Brunelleschi. He made a porch with columns in the arms of the structure.

Mannerism and the Late Century

In the second half of the century, architecture was affected by distortions of the Mannerist language. Some architects followed the classical language. Vignola designed the Church of the Gesù. The facade of this church is by Giacomo della Porta; it has two bodies joined by buttresses and is topped with a pediment, setting the tone for future Baroque facades.

Venetian Architecture

Venice became a great architectural and artistic focus. Venetian architecture emphasized decoration and pomp, often using marble. Highlights include Sansovino and Palladio; the latter endowed his works with harmony and proportion. He endorsed the Palladian motif, an arcade based on pairs of lintels supported by columns and flanked by other larger ones. He made several villas, including The Rotunda. His other works include the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza and the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice.