The Renaissance has been one of the brightest periods in history which brought many talented artists such as Michelangelo and Palladio. The main aspects of Mannerism developed between1510 and 1520 in Italy are the approach of reacting to the harmonious ideals and naturalism. Michelangelo is one of the greatest artists of this period as well as Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael. Palladio and Michelangelo, the two greatest representatives of the Renaissance, were the founders of a new wave in architecture that influences many artists after them.
The most important principle of the Renaissance was the symmetry used to achieve geometric balance and harmony. The main architectural buildings of the Renaissance are the great churches, monuments, and modest residences. Palladio’s villas are the perfect examples of this style. Besides, the mannerist works represent an abstraction form opposite to the style of classicism. Palladio started to promote Mannerism; however, later he went to the opposite. Palladio used the ancient themes of architecture while Michelangelo preferred Mannerism supervising the reconstruction of St. Peter’s Cathedral and Capitoline Hill in Rome. Palladio’s works are characterized by the use of numerous ratios for every room as well as the 1:2 ratio represented in music. Palladio believed that some numbers of a ratio of the rectangles are pleased to the human eyes. As for me, I prefer the style of Michelangelo for his individualism and specific forms.
Saint Peter’s Basilica situated in the Vatican is one of the most famous churches in the world. It is the typical early basilica-plan church that contains a nave and two aisles and has a “T” plan. The basilica may be considered as Baroque architecture. In 1506, Saint Peter’s Basilica was razed and started transforming from a small shrine to the largest church in the world. It was been worked on by many artists. From the beginning, the architectural supervisor of the building was Michelangelo. The entire of the Basilica is decorated with marble, sculptures, and reliefs. Michelangelo formed numerous niches and chapels including his Pieta. In the followed years, after his deaths, the structure changed hands several times. Gian Lorenzo Bernini being a supervisor designed a central baldachin over the Papal Altar and the sculptural ensemble contained the symbolic Chair of St. Peter. In 1602, Carlo Maderno started to create a front of the Basilica. 114.69 meters wide and 45.55 meters high front is built of travertine stone. Maderno created thirteen statues of Christ and the Apostles, except Peter, and John the Baptist. In 1455, another famous artist, Antonio Averulio created a bronze door to the central portal and enlarged some space. Using the different approaches and styles, the artists created a unique architectural ensemble.
Renaissance architecture is based on the use of the forms of Roman architecture such as domes, arches, numerous columns, and vaults. The main characteristics of Renaissance architecture are the regular structure and impressiveness. Using the forms of Renaissance such as columns and classical elements, Baroque architecture is based on the importance of vitality and attraction. Striking lighting effects, different forms of the walls, theatrical features and create the unique style of Baroque. Despite Michelangelo, Bernini used smaller windows with circular or oval forms. Baroque churches look more attractive due to its rich decoration. The baroque architecture shows more freedom of the forms. However, I prefer the Renaissance period because of its harmony and massiveness. The works of Michelangelo, Raphael, and Palladio influenced many artists after them.