Florence Architecture: Brunelleschi with Kate Bolton-Porciatti
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Filippo Brunelleschi transformed the cityscape of Florence with an architectural style inspired by a pagan world: the palaces, basilicas, and temples of Ancient Rome. Yet in the churches and chapels he designed for his native Florence and, above all, in the iconic cupola of the city’s cathedral, his use of light, ‘divine’ ratios, and symbolic forms offered a glimpse of heaven.
Cultural historian Kate Bolton-Porciatti traces the formation of one of the most brilliant minds of the Renaissance: the architect and engineer Brunelleschi. He changed the physical landscape of Florence from a maze of medieval towers and fortress-like structures to a harmonious Renaissance city where balance, proportion, and geometry suggest the greater order of things.
We’ll trace his early work as a goldsmith and sculptor in Tuscany, his formative experience in Rome as a ‘treasure hunter’ discovering ancient ruins, and his return to Florence where he masterminds some of the city’s most majestic monuments: the Foundling Hospital, the churches of San Lorenzo and Santo Spirito, the Pazzi Chapel and the cupola of Florence’s cathedral, which - when it was finished in the 1430s - was the greatest dome in the world: a vision of heaven on earth.
The seminar will also enhance a broader appreciation of the architecture and ideals of Renaissance Florence. Led by Kate Bolton-Porciatti, a cultural historian specializing in medieval and Renaissance Florence, this interactive seminar will explore Brunelleschi’s monumental genius. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with a deeper understanding of Florence’s historic cityscape.
This conversation is suitable for all ages.
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
Its no surprise that I loved this session. I so appreciate the way Kate Bolton Porciatti runs her sessions. Always full of information with context (no pun intended) and a delightful conversation. So lucky to attend her sessions!
I have watched almost all of Kate Bolton-Porciatti’s online courses and highly recommend them. She is a fantastic teacher and a great speaker. She is knowledgeable and passionate and conveys her ideas in beautiful English, full of rich images and poetic turns of phrases. I congratulate her profusely and can’t wait for her next course.
I read Ross King's book about the building of il Duomo in Florence, but Kate's conversation with its videos and illustrations made the achievements of Brunelleschi easier to grasp. I particularly found the discussion of Brunelleschi's background and its relation to his later architectural accomplishments particularly enlightening. As always, Kate makes learning an entertaining event.
Kate gave another outstanding lecture. I love how well she conveys her knowledge to us; also love that it's diverse and covers many areas.
Kate was just so knowledgeable and a most interesting
Teacher" I learned so much and wished for my architect Husband to be alive to hear her talk!!