Francesco Di Giorgio Martini

Style: Italian Renaissance;

Place: Siena

Born: 1439

Death: 1502

Biography:

Francesco di Giorgo Martini, also known as Francesco Di Giorgio Martini, was a renowned Italian painter, sculptor, and architect from the Sienese School. Born in 1439 in Siena, Italy, he is considered one of the most interesting later Quattrocento architects and a visionary architectural theorist.

Early Life and Training

apprenticed as a painter with Vecchietta, a prominent artist of the time. His early work was characterized by traditional representations of joyful wedding processions in frieze-like formulas. However, he soon departed from this style to express visions of ideal, symmetrical, and vast urban spaces rendered in perspective.

Artistic Career

's artistic career was marked by numerous commissions and projects. He worked on various artistic works for the Duke of Urbino, including the bronze relief Deposition from the Cross. He also served as an architect and engineer for the duke during the Pazzi conspiracy. Some of his notable works include The Coronation of the Virgin, a large painted altarpiece, and Chastity with the Unicorn, a painting that showcases his unique style. His work can be found in various museums, including the Museo Civico in Padua, Italy.

Architectural Work

's architectural work was characterized by innovative designs and projects. He worked on the Santa Maria delle Grazie al Calcinaio in Cortona, a challenging project due to the steep incline of its location. His skill with engineering and architecture allowed him to design a solid building that still stands today.

• Innovative designs: Francesco Di Giorgio Martini's projects were well in advance of completed projects at the time.
• Architectural vocabulary: His innovations, such as staircase planning and dividing at a landing to return symmetrically on each wall, became part of architectural vocabulary in the following century.
• Ideal city: The third book is preoccupied with the "ideal" city, constrained within star-shaped polygonal geometries reminiscent of the star fort.

Legacy

's legacy can be seen in his numerous artistic and architectural projects. His work has been recognized by art historians and critics, including Nikolaus Pevsner, who considered him one of the most interesting later Quattrocento architects. His artistic style and innovative designs have influenced generations of artists and architects, making him a prominent figure in Italian Renaissance art. The Museo Civico in Padua, Italy, is a testament to his enduring legacy, showcasing some of his most notable works, including Chastity with the Unicorn and The Coronation of the Virgin.