No rules -- The legendary lives of 100 architecture masters: The legendary lives of 100 architecture masters

Author: Yang Shizhang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: A few years ago, the movie The Phantom of the Louvre rekindled people's interest in the mysterious information hidden within architecture. Of course, linking a movie to the architecture itself is a bit of a stretch. But who can be certain that the master builders who restored the Louvre didn't hide those secrets deep within every corner of the structure? When Bernini was invited by King Louis XIV of France to participate in the design of the Louvre's facade, what ultimate force caused his "Baroque Louvre" to die in the womb? History has left behind a wealth of artistic treasures, as well as certain facts kept secret. This book is part of the Republic 100% series, with a total of 400,000 words, featuring over 100 selected images, providing a detailed introduction to the lives of many unknown architects while also offering a panoramic review of architectural art development after the Renaissance. In the realm of Italian art and culture, perhaps no field is as closely tied to the name of the innovative genius Filippo Brunelleschi as architecture. Filippo Brunelleschi was born in Florence in 1377. Monnetti describes Brunelleschi's childhood and youth as follows: "Like most wealthy families in Florence, Filippo learned to read, write, and calculate from a young age, in addition to a little Latin. His father was a notary, and he hoped his son would follow suit. At that time, if one didn't want to become a lawyer, doctor, or clergyman, few would study or be forced to study Latin. Filippo was diligent, obedient, somewhat timid, and shy. But these qualities brought him far more benefits than dangers. Moreover, when he decided to do something, he always placed great importance on reputation. From a young age, he had a strong interest in painting and landscape painting, and he was quite successful in these areas. When his father decided to teach him a craft according to custom, he chose jewelry making and obtained his quite progressive father's consent. Thanks to his landscape painting skills, Filippo quickly became an expert in jewelry making. And to everyone's astonishment, he was quite successful. In a very short time, he became a master in engraving, gem setting, stone carving, and gem cutting. Whatever he did, he always achieved great success. Whether in this artistic field or others, his achievements seemed far beyond what could be expected for his age." In 1398, Brunelleschi joined a guild and became a skilled craftsman. This guild produced silk and also spun gold and silver threads. Although he joined the guild, he did not immediately receive a certificate and only did so six years later in 1404. Before that, he had practiced in the workshop of the renowned jeweler Linaaldo Maggio Duchi in Pistoia. Filippo stayed in Pistoia until 1401. By the time the second major gate of the Florence Cathedral began its bidding process, he had already moved to Florence. At that time, he was just turning 24. Brunelleschi went to Rome with Donatello. There, these two giants studied the remains of ancient Greek and Roman art. This trip was decisive in Brunelleschi's choice of his main career. However, Filippo's life was not only related to architecture but also to politics. Filippo had a vast estate, owning houses in Florence and large tracts of land in the suburbs. He also served as a clerk in the Florentine Republic's government agencies. From 1400 to 1405, he served on the Senate and General Council committees. Thirteen years later, in 1418, he was elected as a permanent member of the Donatello Committee and also joined the General or Senate Council.