Brunelleschi’s work

Every epoch of human art in different times had its own heroes. Some of them have given birth to new art currents, others have continued the activities of their precedents. But there are geniuses who manage not only to create their masterpieces but to cause significant influence on the cultural period they live in. Filippo Brunelleschi is one among the latest. He is considered to be the father of Renaissance architecture. Surely, Brunelleschi’s name and Renaissance architecture are strongly related.

That is proved not only by magnificent dome of the Florence Cathedral or the Pazzi Chapel but by considerable innovations made by Brunelleschi. He has become famouse for applying new kind of geometry and symmetry in his jobs. The central crossing of the Cathedral in Florence is considered to be one of the greatest masterpieces of Renaissance epoch. Brunelleschi supported then by the Medici family proposed a great project. His design consisted in building the cupola in two shells – one of them was light or external shell and the other –main shell.

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The innovation was that the main shell was arranged as a circle without wooden support or scaffolding. The support of the dome looked like a fish skeleton of 16 ribs which were able to bear the pressure of the dome. The Pazzi Chapel devoted to the Pazzi family members’ funeral was also committed to Brunelleschi in 1442. It’s a classic Renaissance chapel. Its main features are simple geometric form. Precisely simple forms were proper of Renaissance architecture. But the “external” simplicity is not so simple in fact.

The conical roof with small windous was supported by a ribbed frame inside which has become a particular highlight by Brunelleschi. Under the dome a simple cubic premise is situated. It’s rather a contradictory combination by Brunelleschi: light cupola which seems to aspire for blue tender heavens and rather heavy down cubic or square part which seems to restrain the flight of the dome. In such combination one of the most important issues of Renaissance epoch is expressed: the eternal aspiration of great human mind for self-development and knowledges despite the heavy burden of medieval prejudices.

The Foundling Hospital which Brunelleschi started to create in 1419 is a strong example of classical Renaissance architecture. The arches are supported by Corinthian columns and the range of rectangular windows with pediments enhance the building with some kind of light and natural forms. And again the brilliant cornice by Filippo which had become his credo. Though the now days roof was re-designed and differs from the original. So, the main trait proper of Renaissance was clearly present in all works by Brunelleschi: it’s the glorification of human mind.