Interior Design History : The times of the Italian Renaissance

The European Renaissance was headed earliest by the Italian Renaissance. A period and time of great change and vast achievement, began in the 14th century with Italy and lasted until the 16th century. This time was the transition between medieval and early modern times of Europe. This rebirth, called 'Renaissance' is a french term that wasn't coined until the 19th century through the work of historians.

Beginning in Tuscany in central Italy, the rebirth began spreading and centering within large cities such as Florence, Sienna, and eventually Venice. Strong economic growth and newly linked trade lines created rekindled a network economy within Europe, which hadn't been around since the 4th century.

The Renaissance peaked in the mid 16th century as invasion from foreign countries plunged into the turmoils of the Italian wars of the time. The Renaissance ideas and dreams persevered on into other European nations.

Development

Florence's leading family went from the Albizzi's until the late 14th century, to the Medici's who controlled Europe's largest bank, and then ruled the next few centuries. Cosimo de Medici was held high among citizens for his hard work in bringing about prosperity and stability to Florence. Cosimo's grandson Lorenzo ruled Florence from the age of 21 and is now known as "Lorenzo the Magnificent." Lorenzo was part of the first generation to be completely schooled with notions of Humanism. He is known as being one of the greatest patrons for the arts of the era.

The populations of this time were vastly different. Social inequality was very high as the wealthy were beyond middle class and controlled much of the economic flow. Two thirds of the population was made up of peasants who lived on as if the Middle Ages had simply continued. For these very reasons, it is said that the Renaissance is completely responsible of the wealthy members of society in which art patronage rested on them.

Architecture

Some of the earliest structures showing Renaissance architectural characteristics include:

San Lorenzo - One of the largest churches in Florence, located within the center of the market district. Constructed by the leading Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century to replace the 11th century Romanesque church. Is the burial place of many principal members of the Medici family.

A proportional relationship between aisle and nave was attempted
Use of spherical elements within vaulted areas
Use of dark colored pietra serena or "serene stone"

Attempts to use all of the classical orders and design elements

Pazzi Chapel - Also located in Florence, Italy. Is considered one of the masterpieces of Renaissance architecture. Was completed in the 1460's, nearly two decades after the death of the architect Brunelleschi. Erected by the Pazzi family during the middle of a war with a neighboring city, the money and wealth dedicated to this chapel showed the importance of this structure to the family.