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The Renaissance encompasses the period from 1450 to the beginning of the 1600’s. This period is marked with the rebirth of humanism, and the revival of cultural achievements in all art forms, including architecture. The word "Renaissance" itself is defined as "rebirth" or "reconstruction".
During this time architects displayed artistic freedom of self-expression and individualism. Their creativity allowed them to abandon the strict rules and canons of the Medieval Era. Their art rediscovered ancient Greek humanistic ideals. The great masters of the Renaissance were revered in their own lifetime rather than after their death, which was different from most of their Medieval predecessors. New architectural techniques and ideas were preserved and distributed among the people. In counterbalance to Medieval dogmas existing in philosophy during this period appeared a new movement, the humanism, asserting force of reason, and value of human life.
Andrea Palladio is often described as the most influential, and most copied architect in the Western world. Drawing inspiration from classical architecture, he created carefully proportioned buildings that became models for stately homes and government buildings in Europe and America. Not burdened with the experience of previous generations by studying architecture of Antiquity he went down in the history Renaissance.
During this time people craved for beautiful lifestyle and tended to make their houses more attractive by using new technologies. Palladio published a guide to the classical ruins of Rome and in 1570 appeared his masterwork “I Quattro Libri dell' Architettura”. This important book outlined his architectural principles and provided practical advice for builders.
One of the most famous artists of those times was Michelangelo Buonarroti. Although he is more famous for his sculptures than for architectural works, he also created architectural designs, which served as a background for his sculptures.
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