All over the world, architects incorporated this form into their designs, from Italy to Spain; although the styles differed.
Some famous architects from this period are: Michelangelo, Guilio Romano, Andrea Palladio and Bramante.
Figure 1. Michelangelo
Nineteenth Century: Iron, Glass and Steel
The nineteenth century saw some changes from the previous artistic periods. This period contained practical ideas, still with a sort of creative though.
Buildings and towers were built with steel and iron beams and supports. Glass covered steel/iron webs to create walls, large window, and ‘sunroofs’.
A famous architect from this time period is Alexandre Gustave Eiffel. He built the Eiffel Tower, Bon Marché Department Store, The Nice Observatory and The Garabit Bridge.
Following this period was the modern period. Many of the styles and ideas were carried to the Modern period, and built into designs in a whole different perspective, as now there were different architectures with different ideas and dreams.
Figure 2. Alexandre Gustave Eiffel
Saint Peter’s
Saint Peter’s church is located in Vatican City, Rome, which is located in Italy. The architect Donato Bramate designed it, and it was to “embody the greatness of the present and the future…and surpass all the other churches in the universe.” (Julius II (1505-13)). Bramate had built the church to represent the roman cross. It is known to one of the most concentrated pieces of Renaissance art.
It was created to replace the great basilica (temple), which had been designed by Constantine the Great. This temple had been built over the apostle, St. Peter’s grave.
Construction of the church began in 1507, and the materials used to create St. Peter’s were stone and brick. There are paintings within the church as well.
Bramate did not get the opportunity to complete this project, as he died in 1513. Pope Leo X gave the architectural job to young Raphael. Construction on St. Peter’s then stopped, due to the Spanish forces invading. Then, in 1540, Antonio Sangallo took over the project, and changed the plans slightly. He added a series of rows, but then passed away in 1546.
Lastly, Michelangelo took over the project, and did not request pay. He was given the opportunity to change whatever he wished, even if it meant that he would be demolishing great blocks of work.
The church was finally completed in 1590. The final product of St. Peter’s is known as to be mostly the work of Michelangelo.
Figure 3. Front View of Saint Peter's Church
The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel tower was built in Paris, France. Its designer was Gustave Eiffel, and construction lasted from 1887 to its completion on March 31, 1889. The Eiffel Tower had been built for the Universal Exhibition, in celebration of the French Revolution.
It fits into the category of nineteenth century iron, glass and steel, because it was constructed of wrought iron, although many assume that it’s made of steel. There are 18 038 pieces involved with this tower. This is not including the 2.5 million rivets used to hold the pieces together.
The Eiffel Tower is approximately 325 meters high (this is including the flag pole), and weighs approximately 7.5 thousand tons.
Eiffel Tower Pictures
Figure 4. Eiffel Tower Blueprint
Figure 5. Eiffel Tower Base Blueprint
Bibliography
Crosby, Sumner. Helen Gardener’s Art Through the Ages. United States of America:
Harcourt, Brace & World, Inc. 1959. 287-330.
Hawkes, Nigel. Structures: Man-Made Wonders of the World. Canada: The Reader’s
Digest Association Ltd. 1991. 52-57, 64, 76-81.
Le Officiel Site de la Tour Eiffel. 2003. < >.
“More Black (picture)”
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Online Dictionary. 2003. .
“Portfolio.” Contempory Classical Home Plans. <>.