Pazzi Chapel

Question 1

function?

Answer 1

A chapel located in the Basillica of Santa Croce.

Question 1

Twelve-ribbed dome on pendentives?

Answer 1

Covers the central square.

Question 2

Oculi?

Answer 2

Central oculi placed in the centre of the dome, 12 occuli placed around the edge.

Question 3

Cupola?

Answer 3

Crowns the dome

Question 4

Corinthian columns and pilasters?

Answer 4

Corinthian columns of the loggia are repeated in the pilasters directly above. (highest order according to Vasari).

Question 5

Central arched entranceway?

Answer 5

Featuring a rounded Roman arch.

Question 6

12 terracotta roundels (by della robia)?

Answer 6

Depict the apostles. Another medallion crowns the pedimented door.

Question 7

Garland of fruit?

Answer 7

Surrounds the Pazzi arms.

Question 8

Renaissance style?

Answer 8

The symmetry, regular proportion and emphasis on geometry demonstrates the influence of the Renaissance style.

Question 9

Repetition of 12?

Answer 9

(Occuli/Corinthian columns/pilasters) A reference to the Apostles, reinforced by Della Robia’s terracotta roundels depicting the saints.

Question 10

Chapter house?

Answer 10

A meeting room for the monks of Santa Croce.

Question 11

Brunelleschi’s style?

Answer 11

Adapted the principles of classical architecture to reflect Florentine humanist ideals and civic pride.

Question 12

Influence of Roman architecture?

Answer 12

Centrally-planned space and perfect geometry are reminiscent of the Roman temple. A revival of the standards and ideals of the architecture of ancient Rome.

Question 13

Influence of Pythagoras?

Answer 13

Each section is in exact proportion to the other elements around it. Equal and divisible ratios of 1:2, 1:3, 1:4. Demonstrates Brunelleschi’s interest in the Greek philosopher.

Question 14

Medici and Pazzi Rivalry?

Answer 14

Quattrocento Florence was a republic ruled by a council of leading families. The Medici/Pazzi feud was a result of the two families attempting to assert their authority. The Pazzi’s ulterior motive in building the chapel was to make their mark on the city of Florence and outdo the Medici.

Question 15

Neo Platonism and Humanism?

Answer 15

Florentine humanists thought that geometric principles could unlock the mysteries of the universe and reveal the intentions of God – seen here in Brunelleschi’s emphasis on proportion, balance and symmetry.

Question 16

Influence of Alberti/Vitruvius?

Answer 16

Vitruvius’s De Architectura (a classical guide for building projects) was rediscovered in 1414. Renaissance architect Alberti revived these classical principles of architecture in his treatise De Architectura (1450).

Question 17

Andrea de’Pazzi?

Answer 17

Member of the Pazzi banking family. There was a chapel behind the altar where the family could bury its dead. However, an ulterior motive was for the Pazzi family to make a mark on the city of Florence.

Question 18

Brunelleschi?

Answer 18

Leading Florentine architect and sculptor, noted for his rediscovery of linear perspective in 1415. Brunelleschi had also completed the Old Sacristry for the Medici. By commissioning such a presitigous architect, the Pazzi were making a political statement and showing their own power.

Question 19

Italian Renaissance patronage?

Answer 19

The commissioning of works of art and architecture in Florence by leading families such as the Medici and the Pazzi can be seen as an extension/expression of their struggle for political primacy and prestige.

Question 20

Pietra Serena?

Answer 20

Greyish-green stone, favoured by Brunelleschi. Articulates the architectural features.

Question 21

White Stucco?

Answer 21

Provides a cool contrast to the pietra serena and emphasises Brunelleschi’s geometric design.

Question 22

Florentine Renaissance architecture?

Answer 22

Seen in the orderly arrangements of columns , pilasters , lintels , semicircular arches , and hemispherical domes. Restrained classicism reflects Florence’s republican ideals, distinct from the grandiose style of Renaissance Roman architecture and ornate Venetian architecture.