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In this essay, I will be talking about Architecture and power and how it has altered and transformed over centuries. I will compare and contrast my examples, evaluate how there are differences in architecture, and look at its artistic approach. I will be exploring the development of different examples throughout the Romanesque Architecture and the Early Italian Renaissance. I will reflect upon the motives and values of past cultures in creating their art using historical context.
Romanesque architecture was the first unique method to spread through Europe following the demise of the Roman Empire. Romanesque architecture is a medieval European architectural style distinguished by semi-circular arches. ‘The history of the word ‘Romanesque’ as cited in the Oxford English Dictionary makes plain that the notion of hybridity has been at the term’s core from its origins. Early uses of the word did not apply to art but instead to language’ (Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia) Romanesque architecture was a follow-up of Roman styles and Roman brick. Stone-building procedures were missing in most parts of Europe. Thick walls, round arches, strong piers, groin vaults, wide towers, and symmetrical plans are all characteristics of Romanesque architecture. The art of the period was portrayed by a dynamic style in both painting and sculpture. From the sixth to the eleventh centuries, the Romanesque style was popular. It evolved into the Gothic style in the 12th century. ‘the monastery integrated the existing rocks and Romanesque stone walls’ (Joachim Kupper, History and Drama, P.158)
The Pisa Cathedral, a Medieval Roman Catholic house of worship devoted to the belief of the Virgin Mary, is an example of Romanesque architecture. It is famous for its bell tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It was produced using engraved marble to establish geometric patterns. The cathedral buildings were constructed in three countries. It was started during the Romanesque era and finished during the Gothic era. It is one of the most striking churches in Italy and has a strongly marked uniqueness. Its plan is similar to that of other early basilican churches. It has long rows of columns linked by arches, double aisles, and a timber-roofed nave. Romanesque churches were constructed with rounded arches, thick walls, and buttresses to withstand the weight of the structure.
The cathedral was built outside Pisa’s early medieval walls. This was done to demonstrate that Pisa was not afraid of being targeted. Pope Gelasius II, who belonged to the Caetani dynasty, which was influential in both Pisa and Rome, built the cathedral in 1188. This shows the significance of their power and what they aimed to achieve.
Mosaic, marble, and several bronze pieces from the spoils of war, such as a griffin captured in Palermo in 1061, were used in the rich exterior decoration. This was later built on the roof’s eastern side. The high arches which are used show Islamic and southern Italian influences. There is also the recall of similarities with structures from Armenia like the blind arches with lozenge shapes. Master Rainaldo built the facade of grey and white marble which was decorated with colored marble inserts. The granite Corinthian columns that run between the nave and the apse are from Palermo’s mosque. These are Pisan spoils that were held in 1063 after a successful joint assault on the Muslims in the city with the Normans.
The size of the building was used to intimidate and show authority and abundance. The size and the materials used for the design of the building represent wealth as expensive materials were utilized and this indicates power through the abundant amount of money used. The structure of the building displays power and shows that the empire has great control which is a good impression as it illustrates the success of the empire as they had numerous buildings similar to this. Most of the buildings were accessible to the public which gave people an opportunity to experience the strength and influence of the empire.
During the Romanesque period church buildings such as this as well as art and sculpture were all used for the objective of spreading the Christian Gospel. During that period, there was a large interest in religion in Europe as large numbers of people would travel on pilgrimages to visit sites of saints and martyrs. The routes that were taken to the more famous holy places such as Santiago became very well-toured and this required larger buildings to hold a large number of crowds. People considered that sacred ruins could do wonders. The architecture of these sacred cathedrals and churches attracted more people to visit as the art and structure of the exterior and interior had a unique style and showed power.
Propaganda was used in Romanesque architecture for emperors and residents to publicize their prominence. These forms of propaganda also assisted in unifying the empire, promoting Roman peace, making civilizations stronger, and informing Roman citizens of current happenings.
Romans are well-known for their use of propaganda efficiently to keep their civilization empire fiercer. One method of propaganda that was used well in Romanesque architecture was that most of the buildings were open to the public. This made the civilian public safe as they might have thought that they would be kept safe in the buildings and protected. This method also boosted the city’s morale as people thought they were much safer.
A form of propaganda used in Romanesque architecture was by Louis the Pious (778 – 20 June 840). He was Charlemagne’s successor, reining from 813 – 840 AD on sesquioxides, which is essentially Roman in design. (Contreni, John. ‘Louis I’. Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 Jun. 2020) He used propaganda through coins. This was the simplest, most efficient way of creating propaganda. Placing a monarch on the symbol of wealth portrayed the power of the emperor and this made citizens have more confidence and belief in their ruler. (Jowett, Propaganda through the Ages, P.54)
Renaissance architecture is the European architecture of the era amongst the early 14th and early 16th centuries in different regions and It came after the Gothic period. ‘The renaissance of architecture in Italy extended over more than four hundred years from 1420 to c 1820.’ (R. A. Cordingley, The Royal Society of Arts pg. 52). It demonstrated a conscious recovery and advancement of a variety of features of ancient Greek and Roman ideas as well as material culture, particularly symmetry and classical orders.
Renaissance architects noticed a harmony between human proportions and buildings. This concern for proportion caused clear and easily comprehended space and mass, differentiating Renaissance architecture and style from the more complicated Gothic architecture. The buildings involved the application of classical orders and mathematically accurate ratios of height and width combined with a desire for symmetry. Various buildings were built as symmetrical shapes such as square and rectangular.
During this period there was a huge advancement in architecture due to improvements in engineering technology. Architects denied the Gothic structure and their designs of cathedrals. They preferred the use of simple arches and lines which were used by the ancients. This phase extends over a few centuries, leading to a rise of art and innovation that still impacts the world up until this very day.
An example of the Early Italian Renaissance architecture is the Palazzo Pitti which was built during 1458-66 by Luca Fanelli and possibly Brunelleschi. ‘The Palazzo Pitti was the center of courtly life in grand-ducal Florence.’ (Leon Satkowski,
Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians pg. 336) The palazzo is given a severe and powerful atmosphere by the rusticated stonework.
In 1458 the construction of the original seven bay palace was started by Luca Pitti, however, in 1469, he suffered a huge loss in financial as well as political power. He died in 1472 and the construction ceased when the palace was near construction and his family was forced to sell the palace to the Medici family. The Medicis had expanded the palace by adding a large courtyard and enlarging the square in the front. Another important addition was the formation of the Vasari corridor that attached the palace with the Uffizi, church, and Palazzo Vecchio granting the members of the family to move throughout the city without confronting the public.
The Palazzo Pitti was used as a symbol of the Medici’s power and It flourished as a huge treasure house as later generations gathered paintings, jewelry, plates, and lavish goods. Currently, the Pitti Palace houses some of the most significant museums in Florence. On the first floor of the palace is the Palatine Gallery, including a large compilation of 16th and 17th-century paintings (including works by Raphael), and the Royal Apartments, including furnishings from a remodeling done in the 19th century.
The structure has a severe aspect, constructed with enormous, intense, and rustic stone blocks. It is believed that the effect of this was possibly inspired by ancient Etruscan walls. The severe and powerful part is reinforced by the three-times-repeated sequence of the seven arch-headed apertures which are similar to that of a Roman aqueduct. This initial layout has resisted the test of time. The repetitive formula of the facade was repeated throughout the successive additions to the palazzo. Its influence can be witnessed in various 16th-century replications and 19th-century revivals. The procedure used to assemble the building is comparable to that applied for other Florentine palaces. This includes Large stones at the base and finer and more sophisticated stones at the top. In the lower part of the facade are two seemingly bizarre, sculpted stones, a long one and a short one. It is said that it was Luca Pitti who wanted to fix the stones next to each other to represent his prominence over the smallness of his enemies. It is also believed that for the same desire to compete with the powerful Florentine families, he instructed that a courtyard be built. It had to be so huge that it would have been able to content Palazzo Strozzi. The architecture of the courtyard held a lot of significance as it was one of the key aspects of the palace. The courtyard was used to host many memorable events such as the naval battle fought which took place between twenty Turkish and Christian ships. For this occasion, it was almost filled with two meters of water. The wedding of Ferdinand I de’ Medici and Christine of Lorena had also taken place and celebrated here which is an occasion that would go down in history for the ostentation of the festivals.
There were a lot of things that portrayed the significance of power that was used in Renaissance architecture. One of these was that the buildings in Florence voiced a new sense of light, simplicity, and openness that displayed the enlightenment and clarity of mind glorified by the attitude of humanism. Another significant power that was used in Renaissance architecture is the features of the buildings which included the use of classical orders and mathematically detailed ratios of height and width combined with a want for symmetry, proportion, and harmony.
Renaissance architecture started by them observing back at Romans and Greeks for inspiration when designing buildings. Much of Renaissance architecture class was taken from Ancient Rome and Greece and then transformed to fit their existing lifestyle. This represents that Renaissance architects did their research and knew which time to look back at. They had figured out that if they used ideas from Romans and Greeks they might have similar power to them or even better as Romans and Greeks had already shown the power that they were capable of.
In Renaissance architecture, there were also some very important characteristics just like any other time in history. Each different empire in history had its characteristics to show its uniqueness and why they were different from any other. The Italian Renaissance was the rebirth of traditional values in art that influenced artistic thought for the next 500 years. The key fundamentals that shaped the art of the Italian Renaissance were naturalism, classical humanism, perspective drawing, and the growth of oil painting. These key elements show the significance of Renaissance architecture by conveying a message through their art.
Propaganda is interaction with a political, religious, or personal agenda. In the case of the governing families of Italy’s regions, this was accomplished by having artistic work produced that displayed their accomplishments and virtues. This was frequently accomplished through symbolic references to figures from traditional antiquity and Christianity. ‘Venice was also a city that glories in fine appearances and outward show’ (Art and Pageantry in Renaissance Venice, Edward Muir pg.18)
Although centuries of scholars have attempted to clarify the meanings and symbols associated with Italian Renaissance art and architecture, their very presence demonstrates the era’s power structures and supply of fortune. The incredible act of appointing an artist to design a building, sculpture, or painting indicated the patron’s sense of taste, knowledge, financial status, and aspiration. The evidence found both inside and outside these works sheds light on the hierarchies and morals that manipulated the warring city-states of 15th and 16th-century Italy. Substantial patronage also altered the reputation of artists in society. Early Renaissance texts showed, according to art historian Michael Baxandall, that people believed good materials made good art. Artists started to gain recognition, and higher fees were charged for their unique styles and techniques. ‘is identified as a form of art on the border between painting, architecture and technique’, (Back Matter, Gennaio-Marzo 2002)
‘The vast majority of works in the Renaissance were created to communicate some sort of message,’ (Alina Cohen, 2018). Occasionally that message was quite specifically about the strength of the patrons. Research indicates that architecture in the Renaissance phase impeded money, religion, and art.
The bigger the work, the more it costs. Paintings were less pricey than tapestries, which were less expensive than sculptures. Architecture compelled the most substantial financial investment. The Catholic Church’s right through the Renaissance would preach regarding the importance of humility while rewarding the rich and commissioning complex, luxurious art, and architecture. Yet it is tougher to reject that its money contributed to awe-inspiring cultural innovations and artifacts.
There are many differences between Romanesque Architecture and Renaissance Architecture, as they developed over the period. Upon examination of the two time periods, one can easily recognize the huge number of variations and break apart from old ways that happened during the period. The architecture in the Romanesque architecture period played a major part in many of the schemes in Renaissance architecture.
The similarities are common between the two styles, but the main variances separate the two forms, one difference in Romanesque architecture is that Romanesque buildings have circular arches and they have blunt towers. On the other hand, in Renaissance architecture, the evenness, proportion, and geometry of buildings were very crucial to Renaissance architects.
Romanesque architecture can be portrayed as a style of architecture that utilizes semi-circular arches in its construction. Science, literature, and painting all mirrored Renaissance art. As a regional characteristic and various materials, the Romanesque style can be recognized all over Europe. Many castles were constructed during that period, but churches far outnumbered them.
”Renaissance’ is used as a purely style term or to cover a chronological period’, (Journal of the Warburg and Courtauld Institutes, Georgia Clarke pg.169). Renaissance architecture embraced differentiating features of classical Roman architecture. Nevertheless, the forms and functions of buildings had altered over time, as had the composition of cities, which is demonstrated in the mixture of classical and 16th-century forms. Facades, columns, arches, vaults, domes, windows, and walls were all foundational architectural components used in 16th-century buildings, which combined classical Roman technique with Renaissance aesthetics. ‘research focused on medieval and Renaissance Venice, resulting in books and articles on Romanesque’, (Contributors, AA Files, No.70, pg.176). While one of the most significant aspects of Renaissance architectural philosophy was learning and mastering the specifics of the ancient Romans, the style often became more decorative and attractive, with the extensive use of statuary, domes, and ceilings. On the other hand, Romanesque architecture buildings have barrel vaults and their building have huge pillars inside them. In the Romanesque time, their buildings also had a minimal design on the exterior of the building but most of them had. massive, framed structures.
Overall, there is a huge importance and significance of architecture and it has had a big impact throughout the different eras. It has played a very big part in conveying religious as well as political motives and spreading religion all over different cities. It has been used to portray the wealth of the powerful and not only did they use it to represent themselves, but they also used this to increase the control that they had over the empire. The motives and values of architecture in different periods have many similarities between them, however, they can only be analyzed within their historical context as they change over time. This is evident from my examples which show that in the Romanesque period architecture and art were used to spread the Christian gospel and it was also used to promote many political motives. During the Renaissance period architecture and art were used to show the significance and power of the rich, it displayed the amount of money that they had and revealed their strengths and status to the people. The wealthy families utilized this as a way to compete with their rivals as the architecture and art demonstrated their possession of power and they also used this to influence the opinions of the community. Architecture is not just a simple building but has a deeper meaning, it can be seen as the art that is adorned and it has a huge contribution to power and pleasure.
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