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For a contrast to Medieval Architecture: St. Paul's Renaissance design by Christopher Wren.
The large dome, free-standing statuary (as in Bath) and Greek portico in front are revivals of Classical Models. Gone (from sight) are the Gothic arches, flying buttresses, Norman towers, large steeples, and cruciform design. Inside, the rounded arches -- rounded everything -- greet you at all 'round. How did Renaissance designers open up so much of the walls to windows yet use rounded arches? Looks can deceive.... |
In their desire to appear Classical, the round arches, portico and basilica meet the eye, but the main supports for the dome are Gothic Arches, whose points converge above the dome inside the 'lantern' just above the dome. Hence, the dome gives the impression of roundness and obliterates the lines of the gothic arches, while the lantern hides the tell-tale points.
Why hide the points? Because Renaissance artists and designers were so contemptuous of medieval, 'dark-age' design, THEY termed it 'Gothic' in derision. So enamored of Classical styles, they had to use gothic arches for their superior support, but hid the fact, then used Roman styles wherever the eye meets stone. In other words, they 'got the point' but wrote Roman all over it!
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