MYTH AND MANAGEMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BRUNELLESCHI'S CUPOLA

The cupola of Santa Maria del Fiore, erected under the direction of Filippo Brunelleschi from 1420 to 1436, shares with other extraordinary architectural monuments a tendency to generate myths about its realization. Brunelleschi's dome, still standing proud over Florence, possesses all the myth...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:I Tatti studies 2011-01, Vol.14/15, p.47-101
Main Author: HAINES, MARGARET
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Brick buildings
Bricks
Cathedrals
Cupolas
Masonry
Payroll
Quarries
Salary
Walkways
Workforce
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Summary:The cupola of Santa Maria del Fiore, erected under the direction of Filippo Brunelleschi from 1420 to 1436, shares with other extraordinary architectural monuments a tendency to generate myths about its realization. Brunelleschi's dome, still standing proud over Florence, possesses all the myth-attracting ingredients: mammoth size, striking form, assertive color, axial position in the city that spawned the Renaissance of the visual arts. Above all, however, the structure's mystique derives from the fact that its double-shelled octagonal cloister vault was erected according to the architect's revolutionary invention, without the supporting armature employed to sustain soaring Gothic vaults until their keystones were in place. The cupola was an astonishing technical accomplishment, one that still inspires awe in those who visit it. [Abridged Publication Abstract]
ISSN:0393-5949
2037-6731
DOI:10.1086/its.14_15.41781523