Week 2, Later Brunelleschi and Michelozzo

We have seen the earlier works of Brunelleschi, the beginning of Romanesque architecture in Florence. Moving on to his later work we will see how he shifts and refines his stylistic choices. While these buildings may not have the defining glory of the Dome and the Florence Cathedral, they are just as innovative. Looking at: the Old Sacristy in San Lorenzo, the Pazzi Chapel, Santa Spirito, and Santa Maria degli Angeli. We will also see the Medici Palace by Michelozzo Michelozzi.

Santo Spirito, Florence

Santo Spirito, started around 1434 and finished in 1482, was designed by Brunelleschi. This church follows the basic Latin cross plan, as did S. Lorenzo. However, there are some differences in the two churches. Santo Spirito has more of a sculptural feeling, the side chapels are more open, they also have columns and pediments. Instead of using pilasters for the niche wall Brunelleschi has put in Corinthian columns. The ceiling is flat, with octagon like patterns while S. Lorenzo has square coffers.

Santa Croce, Pazzi Chapel

The Pazzi Chapel in Santa Croce was started in 1440, designed by Brunelleschi. It was not finished until around 1480, after Brunelleschi had already died. Again we have ideas of proportion and geometry. While this chapel is more complex than the Old Sacristy, it maintains modules of circles, squares and symmetry. Another similarity is the difficulty in maneuvering the pilasters around angles. The loggia consists of Corinthian columns supporting an entablature which is interrupted in the center by an arch, which allows greater flexibilty of symmetry.
-barrel vaults
-ribbed dome with oculi and lantern
-attic story with double pilasters

Palazzo Medici, 1446-1457

Brunelleschi had by now established a working relationship with the Medici family, but he was not asked to design their palace. In Florence it was not a good idea to flaunt wealth, especially if you held strength and power in the community. It was better to seem humble, which is why the job went to Michelozzo. The Medici's worried that Brunelleschi's ideas would be too grand and showy. Michelozzo's design has a stark quality, reminiscent of a fortress. However, the stones smooth out as you ascend. The top floor is a more delicate structure. Michelozzo was influenced by Brunelleschi and classical antiquity.
-unrefined, rusticated stones on the ground floor make the palace seem modest and slightly uninviting
-voussoir decorations frame the windows
-bi-fora windows- a type of medieval style window which has been classicized with the use of Corinthian columns splitting the window into two arches
-large, overpowering cornice on top story
This style of domestic architecture, with its concept of horizontality and proportion, marks a transition from the older, more medieval tradition of verticality and irregularity. Compare Palazzo Davanzati (late 14th c.) with the Medici Palace, which takes up an entire block.

Palazzo Medici, courtyard

The courtyard consists of a square space with Corinthian columns supporting arches. It seems that there were problems in mastering proportion when it came to joining the corners. Additionally, there is a sense of imbalance as the courtyard is lighter and open, while the upper and ground exteriors are heavy. With the Medici coat of arms prominent, this was to be where business was done and the arts displayed.