The Renaissance style emphasizes symmetry, proportion, geometry, and part regularity, as seen in classical antiquity building, particularly ancient Roman architecture, of which many examples survive. The style also tends to create a feeling of spaciousness for its audience by using open areas and by not encasing every aspect of life in glass or steel.
Renaissance architects such as Brunelleschi, Alberti, and Ghiberti used mathematics and science to design their buildings. They studied human anatomy to understand how the body worked inside and out, physics to learn about strength and balance, and engineering sciences such as mechanics and hydraulics to design structures that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
For example, Brunelleschi used mathematics to create the first accurate drawings of a three-dimensional object (the dome of the Cathedral of Florence). He also designed an early version of a hydraulic ram to lift heavy stones for use in building projects. Ghiberti used mathematical calculations to create his famous bronze doors for the Florence Baptistery; these are the only remaining parts of a colossal statue commissioned by Florentine ruler Andrea del Verrocchio in 1472.
In addition to designing beautiful buildings, Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael painted pictures that are now considered classics of the art world.
The Renaissance style has two main components: a rebirth of classical forms produced by the ancient Greeks and Romans, and a greater concern with secular life—interest in humanism and statement of the centrality of the individual.
Classical forms were revived during this period, most notably in painting but also in sculpture and architecture. Classical art was influential in Europe from the early 1400s until around 1750. During this time, the Italian artists who developed after Giotto became famous for their mastery of perspective and foreshortening.
In addition to classical forms, Renaissance artists were influenced by other cultures including Arab culture in Spain and Italy and especially by Flemish and French art. They often copied images from religious paintings that they saw in churches or museums.
Finally, they used ideas from mathematics and science as well as literature to express themselves artistically. For example, Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks are full of sketches based on mathematical studies designed to help him better understand proportion and anatomy. Also, poets such as Dante Alighieri and Petrarch helped spread knowledge about classic writers such as Virgil and Cicero. These men traveled around Europe giving speeches about their discoveries and relationships with other people and institutions such as universities. They called this activity "humanism" because it focused on human beings instead of gods alone.
Naturalism was another major aspect of Renaissance painting. This was shown in sculpture with a rise in modern topics, as well as a more naturalistic treatment of proportions, draperies, anatomy, and perspective. The reemergence of classical topics and forms was a third element. These included portraits, gods, heroes, and rulers from ancient Greece and Rome.
Also important was the use of gold and silver throughout Europe, which created a new market for sculptures. Sculptors such as Michelangelo, Donatello, and Leonardo da Vinci were among those who worked during this time.
Finally, the Renaissance was a time when artists were inspired by classic texts. As scholars began to translate ancient writings into English, French, and other languages, an increasing number of artists were able to study these works of art.
With these developments, it is no surprise that sculpture became more realistic and classical subjects more popular.
The evident distinguishing traits of ancient Roman architecture were absorbed by Renaissance architecture. However, the shapes and purposes of buildings, as well as the arrangement of towns, had altered throughout time, as seen by the ensuing synthesis of classical and 16th-century forms. Ancient monuments served as models for new structures, and their names became attached to certain types of buildings. For example, a "Temple of Mars" would be a building with an extensive use of marble, while a "Mausoleum" would be a monument with a high quality of workmanship.
Greek culture also had an important influence on the development of Renaissance architecture. Indeed, it was through the study of ancient texts that many architects of the day came to understand the principles behind good design. The Renaissance architect was not only interested in creating works of art, but he or she also wanted these buildings to be functional. For this reason, they used what knowledge they had acquired from reading about the achievements of past civilizations to create new and innovative solutions for housing and commerce.
Some scholars believe that Michelangelo (1475-1564) had a significant influence on the evolution of Renaissance architecture. He is known for his paintings such as "David" and "Slaves pulling Colossus out of Lake McArthur", as well as for his sculpture. However, it is his designs for various projects that have drawn most attention from historians.
Gothic and Renaissance styles of architecture Gothic architecture is distinguished by pointed arches, flying buttresses, and vaulted ceilings. Orderly groupings of columns, semicircular arches, and domes are common in Renaissance architecture, with a concentration on symmetry and geometry. The Italian architect Filippo Brunelleschi (1377–1446) is considered the father of modern architecture for his use of perspective in design.
In Europe, architectural styles changed over time but generally remained consistent within one country. For example, France had a Gothic style under Philip Augustus (1270–1328) and later became known for its magnificent Renaissance buildings built by French architects like Michel Anguilherme le Bras (1445–1511), Giacomo Barabino (1482–1557), and Jules Hardouin-Mansart (1646–1708).
However, not all European buildings are classical or gothic. The Netherlands has a unique architectural style called Dutch Classicism which combines Dutch and Greek/Roman aesthetics. Also, Germany produced many important architects who designed buildings in various styles including Neoclassical, Romanticism, and Modernism.
Today, Europe is home to a variety of different building types from traditional townhouses to enormous skyscrapers. However, they all share certain characteristics based on culture and time period they were built in.
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