Italian Renaissance

The Renaissance, or "Rebirth", developed in Italy. During this time, there was a shift in focus from religious to secular ideas. The arts were popular among all people, whether rich or poor, and residential design became popular. The designs of this time began to focus more on comfort, convenience, and beauty rather than safety, strength, and protection as had previously been the case.

One of the most famous buildings from this time is the Florence Cathedral by Brunelleschi. Brunelleschi was the first recognized architect of the Renaissance. The Florence Cathedral was inspired by the Pantheon and served as the main church in Florence. Another typical structure of the time was the palazzo. Palazzos were comprised of three divisions, with housing on the 2nd and 3rd floors and store space on the 1st floor. They also featured central courtyards and walls with niches. Inside, they had frescos, tapestries, and fireplaces.

The most influential architect of the Renaissance was Andrea Palladio, who also authored The Four Books on Architecture. He also designed Villa Rotondo, which had rooms arranged symmetrically around the central dome. Each side had a classical temple front, which included stairs, six columns, entablature, and pediment. His architectural proportions were based on the models from the Classical world and has served as an inspiration for hundreds of years.

Perhaps the most famous individuals from the Renaissance period were Leonardo Da Vinci and Michaelangelo. Da Vinci excelled as a painter, sculptor, architect, musician, scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, geologist, cartographer, botanist, and writer and was responsible for pieces like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Michaelangelo was a sculptor, painter, architect, poet, and engineer and created famous works like David and the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

Interiors of the time used contrasting light and shadow through 3D moldings, paneling on furniture and surfaces, and frescos. They also created very elaborate ceilings, fireplace mantels, pilasters, and floors of brick, terra-cotta tile, or marble in geometric patterns, Furniture featured ivory, marble, onyx, and stone inlays, gilding, and used walnut for the finest furniture. Seating was comprised of sedia chairs, sgabellos, the x chair, cassapanca, and savonarola chairs. Cassone chests were also popular during this time, as were trestle tables and Florentine tables.

Current Examples

A box-like four poster bed with a paneled head and footboard, similar to Renaissance beds

A modern bench similar to the cassapanca, including the back, arms, storage seating, and legs

A modern coffered ceiling like the elaborate ceilings of the Renaissance

Check out this video on the influence that the Classical styles of the Greeks and Romans had on the Renaissance: