Effects of the Renaissance

1. Effects of the Renaissance Take notes on the effects of the Renaissance

2. Dome In 1419, the Arte della Lana held a competition to design a new dome (or cupola) for the cathedral. The two main competitors were Lorenzo Ghiberti (famous for his work on the "Gates of Paradise" doors at the Baptistery) and Filippo Brunelleschi with Brunelleschi winning and receiving the commission.[1] Brunelleschi drew his inspiration from double-walled cupola of the Pantheon in Rome. He constructed a wooden and brick model with the help of Donatello and Nanni di Banco (on display in the Museum Opera del Duomo). Brunelleschi won by a nose. His model served as a guide for the craftsmen, but was intentionally incomplete, as to ensure his control over the construction. Brunelleschi's solutions were ingenious and unprecedented: the distinctive octagonal design of the double-walled dome, resting on a drum and not on the roof itself, allowed for the entire dome to be built without the need for scaffolding from the ground.[1] This enormous construction weighs 37,000 tonne (40,785 US tons) and contains over 4 million bricks. He made several models and drawings of details during the construction. Brunelleschi had to invent special hoisting machines and lewissons for hoisting large stones. These specially designed machines and brilliant masonry techniques were Brunelleschi's spectacular contribution to architecture. The ability to transcribe a circle on a cone face within the innermost double-shelled wall makes the self-sustaining "horizontal" arch construction possible, since geometrically, a circular plan is needed for such an erection. The dome also used horizontal reinforcements of tension chains of stone and iron—paving way to the imaginations of iron and steel structural reinforcements, such as reinforced concrete, in later centuries. Ghiberti, appointed coadjutor, mocked these plans and called them unfeasible. Brunelleschi, deeply offended, then pretended a sickness and left for Rome, giving the project in the hands of Ghiberti. But Ghiberti soon had to recognize that the whole project was beyond him. In 1423 Brunelleschi was back in charge and took over sole responsibility. Work started on the dome in 1420 and was completed in 1436. It was the first 'octagonal' dome in history (The Roman Pantheon, a circular dome, was built in 118–128 C.E. without support structures) to be built without a wooden supporting frame and was the largest dome built at the time (it is still the largest masonry dome in the world). It had been one of the most impressive projects of the Renaissance. • Brunelleschi's ability to crown the dome with a lantern was questioned and he had to undergo another competition. He was declared the winner over his competitors Lorenzo Ghiberti and Antonio Ciaccheri. His design was for an octogonal lantern with eight radiating buttresses and eight high arched windows (now on display in the Museum Opera del Duomo). Construction of the lantern was begun a few months before his death in 1446. Then, during 25 years, it got stuck and didn't make much progress due to alterations by several architects. Finally it was completed by his friend Michelozzo in 1461. The conical roof was crowned with a gilt copper ball and cross, containing holy relics, by Verrocchio in 1469. He had used a hoisting machine specially designed by Leonardo da Vinci** This brings the total height of the dome and lantern to 114.5 metres (375 ft). This copper ball was struck by lightning on 17 July1600 and fell down. It was replaced by an even larger one two years later. • Excerpt from Brunelleschi's Dome, by Ross King, p69: "The commission for this bronze ball [atop the lantern] went to the sculptor Andrea del Verrocchio, in whose workshop there was at this time a young apprentice named Leonardo da Vinci. Fascinated by Filippo's [Brunelleschi's] machines, which Verrocchio used to hoist the ball, Leonardo made a series of sketches of them and, as a result, is often given credit for their invention." • The decorations of the drum gallery by Bacciod'Agnolo were never finished after being disapproved by no one less than Michelangelo. • A huge statue of Brunelleschi now sits outside the Palazzo deiCanonici in the Piazza del Duomo, looking thoughtfully up towards his greatest achievement, the dome that would forever dominate the panorama of Florence. Only 150 years later would this dome be surpassed by Michelangelo's dome of Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City.

3. Three Hallmarks of the Renaissance • Humanism– focus on human potential & achievement; study of humans as opposed to God; allowed for earthly pleasures • Secularism– emphasis on the here & now rather than heaven; improve life on earth • Individualism– people should “be all that they could be”; sought fame, wealth, intelligence, & to be remembered forever

4. Gender Roles in the Renaissance • “Renaissance Man” – aman should be skilled in many different areas (writing, painting, well read, swordsman, rider) Baldassare Castiglione • Women – upper class were expected to become just as well educated, but not to do anything with talents; be interesting at parties & in social circles

5. Brainstorm: How did the Renaissance change society?

6. Effects of the Renaissance • Critique of society led to the Reformation • Focus on learning led to the scientific revolution, which set the foundations of modern science • Principles and influence of arts in the Renaissance set the standard for Western art • Search for new ideas leading to exploration outside of Europe

7. Read: Page 380 • Science, Technology & Society Box Think about: • How did the printing press effect the world?

8. Make sure you finished your Renaissance women worksheet • You will now be turning it in for a grade • If you are done early you may read your SSR book work on your map. • Reminder: Maps due on Thursday, Retest is Wednesday (Tomorrow) Before School or During Lunch, bring back your progress report signed if you got lower than a 74