Roman Influence in Early Modern Architecture: Palazzo Farnese and St. Peter’s Basilica

Introduction

From the Renaissance until the 18th century, the Early Modern era saw significant innovation and advancement in architecture. At this time, architects took inspiration from traditional Roman architecture and modified its concepts to generate novel and inventive structures (Ren 1). In various epochs, architects continued to draw inspiration from the skill of construction from Roman architects.

Therefore, despite the fact that all the constructed objects have different purposes, they also have a number of important similarities that allow them to remain unique and inimitable. In this essay, we will explore five examples of buildings, one from each period of the Early Modern era, that were directly influenced by Roman ideas or concepts.

Examples

One of the greatest architects of the time, Michelangelo, was responsible for the design of the Palace Farnese, a notable example of Renaissance architecture. The Farnese family, one of Rome’s most influential families during the Renaissance, ordered the palace’s construction (Fazio et al. 313). Roman architecture considered the zenith of classical architecture, was a significant inspiration for Michelangelo’s palace design.

The Palazzo Farnese is a large building with an impressive entrance framed by two enormous orders of pilasters, a typical element in Roman architecture (Ren 1). Ancient Roman architecture frequently used pilasters and flat columns affixed to a wall; Michelangelo integrated this element into his design. The Palazzo Farnese’s large and towering pillars give the building a feeling of grandeur and monumentality.

Furthermore, many buildings constructed during the Baroque era were extensively inspired by Roman architecture. The Palace of Versailles in France, which Louis Le Vau created in the 17th century, is one such masterpiece (Ren 1). The Palace of Versailles, with its grandeur and richness intended to attract a large number of people, is a prominent example of Baroque architecture (Fazio et al. 369). A feeling of grandeur and majesty is produced by the building’s use of colossal facades, sweeping staircases, and rich decoration, all of which are influenced by Roman architecture.

Neoclassical architecture, a style that aimed to resurrect ancient Rome and Greece’s classical forms and ideals, primarily emerged in the 18th century. The Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., is one example of Neoclassical architecture influenced by Roman styles (Fazio et al. 403). The Capitol Building, which William Thornton created in the late 18th century and features a central dome, pedimented porticoes, and a colonnaded facade, is inspired by the architecture of Roman temples (Fazio et al. 402). The building’s use of classical forms and decoration represents the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and order, as well as its values.

The spectacular Villa Rotonda, commonly referred to as the Villa Almerico Capra, is situated not far from Vicenza in Italy. The villa, built in the 16th century by the renowned architect Andrea Palladio, is a prominent example of Palladian architecture (Fazio et al. 320). This style primarily drew inspiration from classical architecture, notably ancient Rome.

The Villa Rotonda is a symmetrical structure with four similar faces surrounding a central dome. A row of classical columns supports each pedimented portico on the facade. The columns that support the central dome also give the structure a feeling of verticality and grandeur that is typical of Roman design (18th century).

Rustication, a style utilized frequently in ancient Roman architecture, is one of the Villa Rotonda’s most remarkable characteristics (Fazio et al. 320). Rustication is the process of giving a building’s external stone blocks a sense of texture and sturdiness by leaving them unpolished and rough. The rusticated bottom floor of the Villa Rotonda gives it a weight and solidity that is different from the lighter and more elegant higher floors.

One of the most famous structures in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica, is the spiritual headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. The Basilica, which lies in Vatican City, is regarded as a masterpiece of Baroque design. St. Peter’s Basilica, which was created by several architects over the course of several centuries, is a beautiful representation of how Roman architecture influenced the Early Modern period (Ren 2). The magnificent size, elaborate ornamentation, and use of classical forms and ideas are characteristics of the building’s design. Romanesque architecture from the time of Vitruvius and Apollodorus, in particular, served as a source of inspiration for the Basilica’s designers (Fazio et al. 316). The central dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, which was fashioned after Rome’s Pantheon, is one of its most remarkable features.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Early Modern period saw significant advancement and innovation in architecture, with architects getting inspiration from classical Roman structures to produce new and advanced structures. The examples covered in this essay show the variety of architectural forms and styles that appeared during this time, from the opulence of Baroque architecture to the logical nature of Neoclassical architecture. Early Modern architects used classical forms and concepts to construct timeless and cutting-edge structures, representing the aspirations and values of the day.

Work Cited

Fazio, Michael, et al. ISE Buildings Across Time: An Introduction to World Architecture. 2022.

Ren 1. 2023. PowerPoint Presentation.

Ren 2. 2023. PowerPoint Presentation.

18th c. 2023. PowerPoint Presentation.

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StudyCorgi. (2024) 'Roman Influence in Early Modern Architecture: Palazzo Farnese and St. Peter’s Basilica'. 25 October.

1. StudyCorgi. "Roman Influence in Early Modern Architecture: Palazzo Farnese and St. Peter’s Basilica." October 25, 2024. https://studycorgi.com/roman-influence-in-early-modern-architecture-palazzo-farnese-and-st-peters-basilica/.


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StudyCorgi. "Roman Influence in Early Modern Architecture: Palazzo Farnese and St. Peter’s Basilica." October 25, 2024. https://studycorgi.com/roman-influence-in-early-modern-architecture-palazzo-farnese-and-st-peters-basilica/.

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StudyCorgi. 2024. "Roman Influence in Early Modern Architecture: Palazzo Farnese and St. Peter’s Basilica." October 25, 2024. https://studycorgi.com/roman-influence-in-early-modern-architecture-palazzo-farnese-and-st-peters-basilica/.

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