Filippo Brunelleschi
Born: 1377, Florence, Republic of Florence Died: April 15, 1446, Florence
Italian architect, designer, goldsmith, and sculptor. Considered a founding father of Renaissance architecture and the first modern engineer. He developed linear perspective and in 1421 became the first person to receive a patent in the Western world.
Architectural Works
Artworks
Competition Panel (Brunelleschi)
Brunelleschi's competition panel for the second set of bronze doors for the Florence Baptistery. The servant in the left's pose is derived from the Spinario, a popular Roman sculpture. Each figure was cast individually.
Brunelleschi Crucifix Self-researched
A polychrome painted wooden sculpture located in the Gondi Chapel at the church of Santa Maria Novella. This idealized depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus measures around 170 cm × 170 cm. This is the only surviving wooden sculpture by Brunelleschi; the only other known example, a wooden sculpture of Mary Magdalene at the church of Santo Spirito, was destroyed in a fire in 1471. Art historian Luciano Bellosi described Brunelleschi's crucifix as "probably the first Renaissance work in the history of art," representing a definitive turn away from the stylised postures of Gothic sculpture and a return to the naturalism of classical sculpture. According to Vasari, Brunelleschi carved this crucifix in response to Donatello's crucifix at Santa Croce, which Brunelleschi criticized as depicting "a peasant on the Cross."
Ospedale degli Innocenti
Hospital of the Innocents, designed by Brunelleschi. Provided orphans and children with housing and education until age 18. Children were given the last name "Innocenti."
Dome of Florence Cathedral
Revolutionary dome designed by Brunelleschi. Exactly half as wide as it is tall. The dome consists of an inner and outer shell.
Old Sacristy (Sagrestia Vecchia)
One of the earliest Renaissance interiors. Commissioned by Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici as a new sacristy for the old church of San Lorenzo.
