2.17.2008

Sant'Andrea, Mantua


As the other structure Alberti was able to design entirely, Sant'Andrea was fortunately more consistent with the original plan. Started in 1470, in Mantua, it would not be finished until the mid 18th century. The facade combines a pedimented temple front with a triumphal arch. There are major and minor pilasters, note that Alberti has not been using columns. This marks a progressive transition in the representation of antiquity. The integration of exterior and interior is more refined and in general the structure is described as monumental.


There are no side aisles here, only three barrel vaulted chapels on each side of the nave. There is a central barrel vault at the entrance and lower barrel vaults in the loggia. The interior is different from the other churches we have been looking at. Instead of arches supported on columns or elegant piers, we now have heavy, blocklike piers and coffered barrel vaults. Similar to Brunelleschi's dell Angeli, the space seems carved out. Proportions are carefully planned using ratios and ornamentation.

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