Bramante, Tempietto, c. 1502, Rome Flashcards
Q: Who was Bramante, and what influenced his architectural style?
A: Bramante was the principal architect of the High Renaissance, admired as the equal of ancient architects.
Arriving in Rome in 1499, he was deeply influenced by ancient architecture, especially its scale, monumentality, and ideal geometry.
He explored ruins like the Pantheon, which inspired his love for symmetry and simplicity.
Q: Who commissioned the Tempietto, and why?
A: The Tempietto was commissioned by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, with support from Spanish Pope Alexander VI.
It was built to commemorate the traditional site of St. Peter’s martyrdom.
Q: Where is the Tempietto located, and why is it significant?
A: The Tempietto is located in the courtyard of the monastery of San Pietro in Montorio, Rome. It marks the site revered as St. Peter’s crucifixion, emphasizing its symbolic and religious importance.
Q: What is the function of the Tempietto?
A: It serves as a martyrium, commemorating St. Peter rather than a congregational worship space. Its small size reflects its commemorative nature.
Q: How does the Tempietto commemorate St. Peter?
A:
The central crypt marks the site of Peter’s inverted cross.
Doric columns convey strength, aligning with Peter as the “rock of the church.”
The three-step base and concentric design symbolize Peter’s evangelical mission and the church’s unity.
Papal regalia and sacramental instruments on the frieze highlight Catholic traditions.
Q: What are the principal features of High Renaissance architecture evident in the Tempietto?
A:
Classical prototypes and vocabulary.
Symmetry and repetition.
Harmony and clarity of function.
Grandeur and interest in geometric forms, like the circle.
Q: Which classical structure inspired the Tempietto’s form, and why?
A: The Tempietto was modeled after the circular temple of Hercules Victor, fusing Christian martyrium traditions with classical architecture.
Q: Why was the centralized plan significant in Renaissance architecture?
A: The centralized plan, symbolized by the circle, represented divinity, perfection, and unity. It was seen as a reflection of heavenly perfection.
Q: How did Bramante ensure harmonious proportions in the Tempietto?
A: He used the diameter of the columns as a module, spacing columns four diameters apart and setting them two diameters from the walls. The drum and dome are of equal height, emphasizing balance.
Q: Why did Bramante use the Doric order for the Tempietto?
A:
Doric was associated with strength and masculinity, appropriate for St. Peter.
Inspired by Vitruvius and Alberti, Bramante ensured the architecture suited the building’s religious purpose.
Christian symbols replaced pagan motifs on the metopes.
Q: How is unity achieved in the Tempietto?
A: Through horizontal and vertical continuity:
Horizontal: Steps, columns, frieze, and balustrade.
Vertical: Columns, balustrade, and dome ribs.
Q: How did Rome’s emergence as a cultural hub influence the Tempietto?
A: After Lorenzo de’ Medici’s death and the Medici exile, Rome became politically and culturally significant under Pope Julius II, attracting artists like Bramante. Exposure to ancient ruins and museums further inspired Renaissance artists.
Q: What materials and techniques were used in the Tempietto?
A:
Granite columns (spolia) from ancient Roman buildings.
Newly carved marble capitals and bases, blending ancient and modern elements.
Q: How has the Tempietto been interpreted over time?
Considered the pinnacle of High Renaissance architecture.
Included in Palladio’s I quattro libri as an exemplar of classical ideals in Renaissance architecture.
Q: How does the Tempietto reflect Christian-Humanist ideals?
A:
Circular form symbolizes divine perfection, inspired by Alberti and Vitruvius.
Classical elements like Doric columns are repurposed with Christian symbols, achieving a synthesis of ancient and Christian traditions.
