Gothic architecture, with its pointed arches, flying
buttresses, and traceried windows, never struck deep roots in Italy. The
architects of the Renaissance went back to Greek temples and Roman domed buildings
for their models, just as the humanists went back to Greek and Latin
literature. Long rows of Ionic or Corinthian columns, spanned by round arches,
became again the prevailing architectural style. Perhaps the most important
accomplishment of Renaissance builders was the adoption of the dome, instead of
the vault, for the roofs of churches. The majestic cupola of St. Peter's at
Rome, which is modeled after the Pantheon, has become the parent of
many domed structures in the Old and New World. [11] Architects, however, did
not limit themselves to churches. The magnificent palaces of Florence, as well
as some of those in Venice, are among the monuments of the Renaissance era.
Henceforth architecture became more and more a secular art.
[11] For instance, the Invalides in Paris, St. Paul's in
London, and the Capitol at Washington.
SCULPTURE
The development of architecture naturally stimulated the
other arts. Italian sculptors began to copy the ancient bas-reliefs and statues
preserved in Rome and other cities. At this time glazed terra cotta came to be
used by sculptors. Another Renaissance art was the casting of bronze doors,
with panels which represented scenes from the Bible. The beautiful doors of the
baptistery of Florence were described as "worthy of being placed at the
entrance of Paradise."
