florence cathedral dome

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Final Paper: Brunelleschis Dome

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is famous around the World for its

collection of artistic treasures. For Florence is home to world famous pieces such as

David, and historical architecture such as Santa Maria Novella. Though the city is filled

with priceless treasures and creations of its Renaissance, one work of genius rises above

the rest; it is Brunelleschis dome. Forwould Florence truly feel complete without the,

masterpiece of architecture and engineering, that is the dome created by Filipo

Brunelleschi?

To truly understand Brunelleschi we must first understand his past, Filippo

Brunelleschi was born in 1377. Most of the evidence from his early life comes from

Antonio Manetti and Giorgio Vasari. Brunelleschis father was Brunellesco di Lippo, a

lawyer, and his mother was Giuliana Spini. As a child Filipo was given a literary and

mathematical education. This was due to the fact that he was expected to follow in his

fathers footsteps and become a lawyer. He definitely made the right choice in putting his

genius mind towards a creative career, because everyone remembers Florences most

famous architect, but who can remember its most famous lawyer. As Brunelleschi grew

he realized his passions lied in creation and he soon joined the Silk merchants guild, a

guild that included artists such as goldsmiths and sculptors.1

In 1401 the Calimala guild decided to commission a bronze set of doors for the

Florence Baptistery. The Calimala guild, along with other guilds at the time, had great

prestige in Florence so they commissioned the doors along with other public works to

1Filippo Brunelleschi. (2014). The Biography.com website. Retrieved 12:45, Apr 10, 2014, from

http://www.biography.com/people/filippo-brunelleschi-9229632.


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display their affluence. By this time, Andrea Pisano had already created the south doors

for the Florence Baptistery, so the competition as to who would create the entrance came

down to seven finalists including Filippo Brunelleschi, Donatello, Jacopo della Quercia and

Ghiberti. Eventually it was narrowed down to two artists, Ghiberti and Brunelleschi. Each

artist was asked to create the Sacrifice of Isaac on a small panel. Although both artists did

a fantastic job on their bronze plates, Ghiberti carried the day due to his calmer more

lyrical composition as well as his technical knowledge of bronze casting, which allowed

him to create his panel using a single piece whereas Brunelleschi used several pieces

bolted to a back plate.23

This ended up being a pivotal moment in Brunelleschis life, because although he

was offered a spot to work with Ghiberti on the doors, he furiously refused. Brunelleschi

did not want to be second to anyone so he quit art and went to Rome to study ancient

Roman architecture. If he had won the competition, he may have remained an

metalworker and Florence still might have a cathedral with a hole in the ceiling.4

After losing the competition Brunelleschi and Donatello soon traveled to Rome

where they remained for ten years. During their stay they studied Romes ancient

architecture including its ingeniously designed columns, arches, aqueducts. After his

studies in Rome he returned to Florence and used his newfound knowledge to gain

2

Klotz, Heinrich (1990). Filippo Brunelleschi: the Early Works and the Medieval Tradition. Translated byHugh Keith. London: Academy Editions.ISBN0-85670-986-7.

3Lubow, Aurthor. "The Gates of Paradise." Smithsonian.com. Smithsonian Magazine,

Nov. 2007. Web. 5 Apr. 2014. .

4DAVIES, PAUL. 2013. "Filippo Brunelleschi."Architectural Review233, no. 1392: 102-103.Academic

Search Complete, EBSCOhost(accessed April 5, 2014).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Numberhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-85670-986-7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-85670-986-7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Number


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commissions. Brunelleschisfirst chance to display his new abilities was with the

Ospedale degli Innocenti or the Foundling Hospital. This was the first time Florence saw a

building that made a clear reference to classical antiquity. Once this was completed other

commissions came pouring in such as the Ridolfi Chapel, the Barbadori Chapel, the

Basicilia of San Lorenzo and Santa Spirito, because his true talent had been proven.5

These great works across Florence helped build a reputation for Brunelleschi, and a

confidence he would need in to triumph over one of architectures greatest challenges.

Although Brunelleschi would have still been remembered as a good architect, after

completing those commissions, he probably would have never reached the international

fame he enjoys today without completing the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del

Fiore. So how did the cathedral come to be? Arnolfo di Cambio was approved to build the

cathedral in 1294 in a Gothic style, thanks to the city council, on the site of an earlier

cathedral dedicated to Saint Reparata. He earned the commission thanks to his previous

works such as Santa Croce and Palazzo Vecchio. This project lasted 140 years after the

first stone was laid in 1296. After Cambio died in 1302, Giotto continued the project, and

when Giotto died in 1337, Pisano continued building until his own death in 1348. Under

the direction of various architects, the new cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore was finished in

1418, but with no dome.

To attempt to come up with a solution to the build the Dome, the Wool Makers

guild gathered masters in architecture from all around the world. One problem standing

in the way, of constructing the Dome was the fact that obtaining enough wood to build

scaffolding for the project would have been very difficult in Tuscany. One of the

5Walker, Paul Robert (2003). The Feud That Sparked the Renaissance: How Brunelleschi and GhibertiChanged the Art World. HarperCollins. p. 5. ISBN 0-380-97787-7.


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with an illness, leaving Lorenzo to manage the worksite. Lorenzo who had no clue what

to do next in the project, could not come up with orders to give the workers, so all work

on the site came to a standstill. With work halted and the workers speaking against

Lorenzo for drawing a salary while he was doing nothing, the committee decided to visit

Brunelleschi in bed. When the committee came to Brunelleschi and explained the

disorderly state of the worksite, he remarked what is Lorenzo doing? When the

committee told him that Lorenzo wouldnt doanything without him, Brunelleschi

responded that he could do quite well without Ghiberti.

When he finally returned to the worksite he came up with another scheme to

publicly embarrass Ghiberti. Brunelleschi announced that the jobs of creating scaffolding

for the masons to lay bricks, and creating a chain that was to be part of the buildings

support structure should be divvied to each of the men to save time. Ghiberti chose the

easier job of designing the chain support structure, which he struggled to complete, while

Brunelleschi ingeniously designed the scaffolding. After Ghiberti finished constructing

part of the chains Brunelleschi exposed the flaws in his designs and produced a better

design that he had been working on. After this public embarrassment of Ghiberti the

committee realized their mistake in making Brunelleschi and Ghiberti equals on the

project and named Brunelleschi head for life on the structure, and allocated him a bonus

and a generous pension for the rest of his life. Though Ghiberti still continued to draw his

salary because of his powerful friends.8

8Vasari, Giorgio. The Lives of the Artists. Trans. Julia Conaway. Bondanella and Peter E.Bondanella. Oxford: Oxford UP, 1998. Print.


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Although he was successful in besting his rival Ghiberti, his obstacles on the

project were not over yet. The workers being moved by envy at Brunelleschi leaving

them out of the design process and at him for working them harder then normal, decided

to go on strike for a huge raise, although their pay was already better then normal. To

break their strike Brunelleschi decided to fire all the workers and began training some

Lombards to replace them. Eventually after becoming worried that they would never be

able to find work as profitable as working on the dome, and that they were to be

permanently replaced, they offered to come back to work. Brunelleschi to teach them a

lesson only rehired the masons at a lower wage at a lower wage.9 If the arts werent his

calling, Brunelleschi may have made a good businessman.

When finished, the project required over 4 million bricks, which were fitted into

each other through a fishbone style. Brunelleschisuse of a new hoisting machine and

ingenious designed scaffolding allowed the 37,000 tons of materials to be brought up

without the exhausting the workers. The dome was built by having stone below where the

9Carpo, Mario. The Alphabet and the Algorithm. Cambridge, MA: MIT, 2011. Print.


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curve was minimum for greater resistance, and bricks above as they were lighter. The

double pensa was formed by two spherical vaults placed one on top of the other, the

internal was two meters thick and the external just 8 centimeters thick. Brick spurs then

connected these two parallel shells. The internal one is the real roofing whereas the

external one was built to thicken the domes profile, making it visible from afar.10In

order to support the enormous dome, Brunelleschi created a ring and rib support system

from oak timbers. The rungs hung both shells of the dome, and the supports ran through

them. The supports still hold up the dome today. The dome stood finally at 114 meters or

375 feet high. 11

The dome was so large that Brunelleschi used to send up lunch and wine to his

workers so that they would not have to climb down. He feared they would become

exhausted climbing the hundreds of stairs and their productivity would be hindered. A

funny story is that Brunelleschi would also give his workers diluted wine to keep them

motivated. I think Brunelleschi feared his workers would be falling asleep 200 feet up and

he would not be able to catch them sleeping because they were so far away!

It took 16 years but eventually the dome was completed in 1436. Pope Eugene IV

consecrated the cathedral on March 25, 1436. News of this great dome traveled across the

world. Brunelleschi had not only proven his talent but had won the admiration of some of

the greatest minds across the world including Michelangelo and Leonardo daVinci. It was

recognized as the marvel of the age and was claimed by Leon Battista Alberti, a pupil of

10King, Ross (2001). Brunelleschi's Dome: The Story of the great Cathedral of Florence.

New York: Penguin.ISBN0-8027-1366-1.

11King, Ross (2001). Brunelleschi's Dome: The Story of the great Cathedral of Florence.

New York: Penguin.ISBN0-8027-1366-1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Numberhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8027-1366-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Numberhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8027-1366-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8027-1366-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Numberhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8027-1366-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Number


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Brunelleschis to cover the entire Tuscan population with its shadow.12This imaginative

design has survived through horrid weather, floods, earthquakes and hundreds of tourists

with few changes made. If Brunelleschi were to visit today he would recognize his project

instantly. Though this dome was costly it was also inventive and groundbreaking and still

stands as the tallest building in Florence, 600 years after it was constructed. It also

remains the largest brick dome ever constructed, and modern engineers concede that

even with modern technology the dome would be very hard to replicate.1314

After completing the main structure of the dome, Brunelleschi knowing that he

was soon to die wrote out the exact plans for the lantern, and construction began just

12. Walker, Paul Robert (2003). The Feud That Sparked the Renaissance: How Brunelleschi and

Ghiberti Changed the Art World.HarperCollins.p. 5.ISBN0-380-97787-7.

13King, Ross (2001). Brunelleschi's Dome: The Story of the great Cathedral of

Florence. New York: Penguin.ISBN0-8027-1366-1.14Mueller, Tom. "Mystery of Florence's Cathedral Dome May Be Solved." National Geographic.

National Geographic Society, 10 Feb. 2014. Web. 5 Apr. 2014.

.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HarperCollinshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Numberhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-380-97787-7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Numberhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8027-1366-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8027-1366-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Numberhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-380-97787-7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Numberhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HarperCollins


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lines on the plane converge, and objects appear smaller as they recede into the distance.19

He probably sketched the ruins hundreds of times. He most likely observed that the

Pantheon was built as a single shell of concrete and that a wooden form held the Pantheon

aloft while the concrete was setting. Brunelleschi was able to combine the beauty of the

existing ruins with his knowledge of mathematics to create a truly irreplaceable

cathedral. This combination of heart and mind remains relevant to students today for it

proves how important it is to get a well-rounded education. Each subject we learn

influences other aspects of our lives even if we do not realize it. Subjects blend into one

another to help us gain a better understand of the context as a whole. Another beautiful

thing about the design is the word Duomo is a term for a cathedral church. It is taken from

the Latin word domus meaning House of God (Zucconi).This is so fitting for the dome

created by Brunelleschi because building itself is a true work of art, worthy of being called

the House of God.

So what became of the great architect who surprised the world? Well, he lived long

enough to see his masterpiece almost into completion. His body now lies in the crypt of

the Cathedral of Florence. Antonio Manetti, who knew Brunelleschi and wrote his

autobiography, said it was, in tribute to his exceptional talents, a grateful country that

will always remember buries him here (Santa Maria del Fiore) in the soil below.20A huge

statue of Brunelleschi now sits in the Piazza del Duomo. He is now able to sit and gaze

thoughtfully up at his greatest achievement for all of eternity.

19Walker, Paul Robert (2003). The Feud That Sparked the Renaissance: How Brunelleschi and

Ghiberti Changed the Art World.HarperCollins.p. 5.ISBN0-380-97787-7.

20King, Ross (2001). Brunelleschi's Dome: The Story of the great Cathedral of Florence. New York:

Penguin. ISBN 0-8027-1366-1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HarperCollinshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Numberhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-380-97787-7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-380-97787-7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Numberhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HarperCollins


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Living in Florence the past three months I frequently pass by the Duomo and each

time I pass it, it is as breathtaking as the last. Brunelleschi was a true genius and we are

lucky that he dared to speak his ideas even if everyone else thought they were crazy. I

will always remember the lesson Brunellschi taught me with his dome: everyone thinks

you are crazy when you try something radical, until you succeed. Brunelleschi will

remain an inspiration for all time.

Work Cited

1. DAVIES, PAUL. 2013. "Filippo Brunelleschi."Architectural Review233, no. 1392: 102-103.Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost(accessed April 1, 2014).

2.Filippo Brunelleschi. (2014). The Biography.com website. Retrieved 12:45, Apr 2, 2014,

from http://www.biography.com/people/filippo-brunelleschi-9229632.

3. Leonardo Bruni (April 2001).James Hankins,ed.History of the Florentine People

translated by James Hankins. Harvard University Press.ISBN0-674-00506-6.

4. Lubow, Aurthor. "The Gates of Paradise." Smithsonian.com. Smithsonian Magazine, Nov.

2007. Web. 5 Apr. 2014. .

5. Mueller, Tom. "Mystery of Florence's Cathedral Dome May Be Solved." National

Geographic. National Geographic Society, 10 Feb. 2014. Web. 5 Apr. 2014.

.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Hankinshttp://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674005068http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674005068http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674005068http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Numberhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-674-00506-6http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-674-00506-6http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Numberhttp://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674005068http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Hankins


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6. King, Ross (2001). Brunelleschi's Dome: The Story of the great Cathedral of Florence.

New York: Penguin.ISBN0-8027-1366-1.

7. Klotz, Heinrich (1990). Filippo Brunelleschi: the Early Works and the Medieval Tradition.

Translated by Hugh Keith. London: Academy Editions.ISBN0-85670-986-7.

8. Walker, Paul Robert (2003). The Feud That Sparked the Renaissance: How Brunelleschiand Ghiberti Changed the Art World.HarperCollins.p. 5.ISBN0-380-97787-7.

9.Vasari, Giorgio. The Lives of the Artists. Trans. Julia Conaway. Bondanella and Peter E.

Bondanella. Oxford: Oxford UP, 1998. Print.

10. Zucconi, Guido (1995). Florence: An Architectural Guide. San Giovanni Lupatoto, Vr,

Italy: Arsenale Editrice srl.ISBN88-7743-147-4.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Numberhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8027-1366-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Numberhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-85670-986-7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HarperCollinshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Numberhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-380-97787-7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Numberhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/88-7743-147-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/88-7743-147-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Numberhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-380-97787-7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Numberhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HarperCollinshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-85670-986-7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Numberhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8027-1366-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Book_Number

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