The architecture of the Renaissance developed in the 15th and 16th centuries from Italy and spread from there in different forms throughout Europe.
At the center of the phenomenon was the return to the harmony of antiquity as a contrast to the
Gothic style,
which was perceived as modern. In order to better classify the expressions and multifaceted variants, the period is divided into
Early Renaissance (15th century),
High Renaissance (up to about 1535) and
Late Renaissance (from about 1535) including
Mannerism.
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Renaissance architecture revived classical Roman architecture. Harmony and balance were central, with proportion and equilibrium playing a crucial role. The use of columns, arches, vaults and other elements of ancient architecture created an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.
Typical features of Renaissance architecture are symmetrical forms, clean lines, classical columns and round arches, balanced proportions, facades decorated with pilasters, and an intensive use of ornamentation.
In terms of stylistics, the Gothic period was dominated by pointed arches, ribbed vaults and filigree ornamental details such as pilasters or pinnacles. In the Renaissance, on the other hand, the pointed arch is replaced by the round arch or achitrave, and barrel vaults and domes take the place of ribbed vaults.
During the Renaissance period there were many outstanding architects who designed or participated in the construction of world-famous buildings. The most important architects considering the origin in Italy include Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446), Donato Bramante (1444-1514), Leon Battista Alberti (1404-1472), Giovanni Antonio Amadeo (1447-1522) or Andrea Palladio (1508-1580).
Fine examples of outstanding Renaissance buildings can be found in various forms throughout Europe.
Especially in Italy and France, many works are considered exemplary, including, for example, St. Peter's Basilica or the Villa Rotonda in Vicenza (Italy),
as well as the Palace of Versailles or the most prominent of all Loire castles Château Chambord (France).
Due to its great importance and wide spread, different European countries developed their own variations, each with some particularities and regional features. They were all influenced by the Renaissance in Italy, which is why the Italian Renaissance is considered the most important one.
Other world-famous styles are the French Renaissance and the English Renaissance.
In addition, there are other variants that are characteristic for individual regions within a country. Examples for this are the Weserrenaissance in Germany or the Flemish Renaissance in Belgium.
The Early Renaissance in the 15th century stands for balance and harmony. Typical features are pronounced classical elements such as columns of the old order in combination with symmetrical structures. Good examples of the Early Renaissance are the typically Italian Medici Villas, which quote the elements of antiquity to a special degree.
An exact classification of the individual epochs is not always obvious at a first glance.
The early Renaissance was strongly influenced by the rediscovery of ancient Roman architecture.
The High Renaissance, on the other hand, concentrated on perfection in the form of often more lavish plasticity and dynamism.
Facades were more elaborately designed, ornamented with stucco decorations and articulated.
One of the most famous examples of a villa from this era is the
Villa Farnesina in Rome, designed by
Baldassare Peruzzi.
Comparison of two Italian villas of the early and high renaissance period
Early Renaissance: Villa Medici
Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra | wikipedia
High Renaissance: Villa Farnesina
Photo: Niccolo Rigacci | wikipedia
In the late Renaissance, the previous concepts and stylistic means of the Renaissance were completed, which finally initiated the transition to Mannerism.
As a new stylistic device, the contrast between light and dark was more emphasized, while the facade design became more complex and often scenic.
Mannerism followed the late Renaissance and is also often considered a transitional style between Renaissance and
Baroque.
In Italy, however, both terms also coexist, so that a clear demarcation is not automatically given.
While Mannerism retains the stylistic characteristics of the Renaissance, these are
occasionally interrupted by imaginative deviations from clear lines and rules.
A typical feature is the broken pediment, which can be seen above entrance portals, for example.
In addition, Mannerism is evident in an even greater emphasis on details and dramatized representations.
