Week 8- Italian Renaissance-Neoclassic

 This week in history of interiors we learned about the Italian Renaissance, which is considered Neoclassic, and took place between the years 1400-1600. Renaissance means rebirth, and during this time classical forms were refined and adapted for new uses, however, they still used Gothic and Romanesque style furniture in their interiors. 

The renaissance first developed in Italy, hence the focus on art, literature, and architecture which were important in ancient Rome. During this time the printing press was invented and there was a shift in emphasis from religion to secularism. Architects, painters, furniture designers, and sculptors were commissioned by clients for extensive or numerous projects, and they often emphasized horizontal and symmetry. Copying past excavations.  

Medieval buildings were styled and ornamented with Ancient Roman concepts, with an emphasis on interior architecture. Ancient Roman building forms were used like Insulas, and new palazzos erupted which means palace and built for the influential upper class.  

Humanism, which is a quest for knowledge such as antique rights, science, medicine, and engineering greatly influenced the society of this time. Because of all these new interests and discoveries, many people became experts in multiple fields, which is known as the term “Renaissance Men”. These people were often sponsored by generous patrons. 

Leonardo Da Vinci (who lived from 1452-1519) is one of the most well-known, for being an expert in art, architecture, geology, aerodynamics, hydraulics, botany, and military science, and is considered to be one of the most influential artists of all time. Another world-renowned Renaissance Man is Donatello, who influenced people such as Michelangelo. Michelangelo (lived from 1475-1574) was a sculptor, painter, architect, and a poet. One of his most well-known works is the David in Florence and Pieta in Rome.  

In their palaces or “palazzos” they had a lot of repetition, alternation, and progression on their facades, which were divided into 3 sections. Within the palaces there were often central courtyards, meaning there were no hallways. Additionally, the living areas were on the 2nd and 3rd floors and there were niches within the walls. The ground floor, called the piano nobile, often had an entry called a vestibule, a cortile, which was enclosed but without a roof, a grand staircase, and summer apartments, bathrooms, the kitchen, and storage.  

The Palazzo Rucellai was designed by Leon Battista Alberti, which introduced the classic orders to a facade, which is responsible for the adaptation of the Coliseum.  

The Palazzo Farnese was completed by Michelangelo, being a massive rectangular block, its courtyard contains arches, columns, pilasters, and corbels. The ground floor has tabernacle windows, the 2nd story has alternating arched and triangular pediments, and the 3rd story only arched with triangles pediments.  

The Villa Rotonda Andrea Palladio is the most influential building from the Renaissance, which wrote the four books on Architecture. All four sides have a classical temple front, stairs, six columns, entablature, and pediment, and all the rooms are arranged symmetrically around the central dome.  

Renaissance furniture and interiors there was contrasting light and shadows created by 3-D moldings, paneling on furniture and other surfaces, frescos to paint perspectives, and elaborate turnings for structural support and additional ornamentation. They had decorative moldings, elaborate coffered ceilings, fireplaces with mantels, pilasters, and extravagant flooring made from brick, terracotta tile, or marble with geometric patterns. 

 Their furniture was both sparse and portable, having inlays and being gilded, the best of which were created from walnut wood. There were several different kinds of chairs made the Sedia was a straight box-like armchair, the Sgabello was a stool with a back, the Dante chair was an X chair, and the Savonarola chair had several x’s and was lighter appearing more delicate.  

(Dante X chair) (Modern Application- Director Chair)

A chest was called a cassone, often containing paintings, inlaid panels, the classical orders and moldings, pedestals, columns, entablature, and came in pairs. Additionally, they usually had the trousseau of the bride, and the coat of arm of the bride and groom. A cassapanca was like a sofa, integrated into a wall, with back and arms, it had a lid covered with a soft cushion.  

(Renaissance Bed) (Modern Application- Canopy Bed)

Beds were a large box-like with paneled head and footboards, or a more delicate bed that had a canopy with four posts with draperies. The most common type of table was called a trestle, which was large and rectangular supported by 2 heavy carved pedestals with a stretcher connecting them. These refectory tables were used for dining or a draw table. A Florentine tabletop was made from wood or stone and are hexagonal or octagonal. They were held up by three legs and edged with ornamental moldings.  

 

(Mona Lisa- Leonardo Da Vinci) (Modern Day Application- Jamie Lee)

One Step Further 

One of the most famous paintings of all time is the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci. Since this painting has been displayed for its mastery, many people have taken their twist on recreating it. One of these people is named Jamie Lee, who is a British artist based in southern Paraguay, South America. His interpretation of the Mona Lisa expresses a pop culture style, taking inspiration from additional artists, he gave the classic Italian painting a new, unique, and iconic point of view by refining it with different shapers, volumes, and colors. 

https://www.artmajeur.com/en/magazine/5-art-history/mona-lisa-the-mystery-continues-in-contemporary-art/331225 

https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Mona-Lisa/716436/3906509/view?srsltid=AfmBOorHtkrVdBRYtcxIuefZVdCkt40H-OUXJcN5fgxwQnLj1StuoTUt