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Giacomo da Vignola, Renaissance Architect

By Jackie Craven, About.com

18th Century Engraving

This 18th century engraving illustrates classical column styles described in the Five Orders of Architecture by Giacomo da Vignola.

Public Domain Image: 18th century French engraving from Encyclopédie vol. 18

Born:

October 1, 1507

Died:

July 7, 1573

Also Known As:

Giacomo Barozzi, Jacopo Barozzi, or Barocchio

Most Famous For:

Published in 1563, Vignola's treatise, The Five Orders of Architecture (compare prices), was translated into many languages and became the definitive guide for architects in the Western World. The Five Orders of Architecture described the ideas of the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius and outlined detailed rules for proportioning buildings.

Important Buildings:

  • 1559-1573: Villa Caprarola near Viterbo, for Cardinal Alessandro Farnese
  • From 1564: Continued Michelangelo's work at St Peter's Basilica, and built two smaller domes according to Michelangelo's plans
  • From 1568: Designed the interior of the Church of the Gesù in Rome

Related People:

Historic Periods:

About Giacomo da Vignola :

Giacomo da Vignola was a practical architect who was chosen by Pope Julius III to build important buildings in Rome. After the Renaissance artist and architect Michelangelo died, Vignola continued his work on St. Peter's Basilica and built two smaller domes according to Michelangelo's plans. Combining Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque ideas, Vignola's church designs influenced ecclesiastical architecture for many centuries.

Giacomo da Vignola is widely known for his treatise, The Five Orders of Architecture (compare prices), based on the writings of the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius.

See images from The Five Orders of Architecture >>

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