Italian Renaissance Flashcards
Classical Orders of Architecture
three distinct architectural styles used by the ancient Greeks known as the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Proportionally different and designed uniquely
Basilica Plan Church
Church design that has a horizontal emphasis featuring a central nave.
Central Plan
a structure that features a dome over the central area.
palazzo
Italian for “palace”. A townhouse in the city for nobility.
rusticated masonry
rough protruding masonry.
piano nobile
main floor of a Renaissance palazzo.
string course
horizontal band of ornamental masonry across the front of a structure creating divisions.
martyrium
a building or shrine that marks the spot where a saint was martyred or is buried.
balustrade
continuous ornamental railing of balusters (turned spindle support). Functions as a decorative enclosure for balconies, terraces, and stairways.
studiolo
“study”. The designer of Federico da Montefeltro’s Studiolo was Francesco di Giorgio Martini and the design was executed with the assistance of Giuliano da Maiano and Benedetto da Maiano.
intarsia
“inlay”. The use of contrasting materials to form a pictorial image or design. In the case of the Studiolo wood was used.
trompe l’oeil
“to fool the eye”. The use of illusionism.
Fresco
Painting on wet “fresh” plaster. When completed the image painted becomes a permanent part of the wall. A very important medium in the Renaissance as it was perfectly suited to cover large wall spaces (and ceilings).
Guilds
a club of skilled workers. In Florence, guilds dominated business life.
Mannerism
Style in Italian art after ca. 1520 that features elongation, exaggeration, elegance, complex compositions, and a bold use of color (among others).
