Lecture Notes: Santa Maria Novella in Florence

Introduction

Location: Piaza in front of Santa Maria Novella, Florence
Importance: Gothic church and one of the two mendicant churches in Florence (Dominican order)

Timeline: Mid-15th century
Patron: Giovanni Rucellai
- Also designed a nearby palace for Rucellai
- Rucellai inherited the rights to the church's design from a previous family

Alberti's Background: Classicist wanting to conform to ideals of classical beauty (geometry, order, proportion)
Issue: Transforming a Gothic church into a classical façade
- Gothic architecture is characterized by irregularity and asymmetry
Existing incomplete façade with pre-existing tombs (six remain)
Gothic arches believed to predate Alberti's work

Lower Story: Framed by columns with Corinthian capitals and a central doorway modeled after the Pantheon
- Contrast to the prior smaller doorway
Structural Elements:
- Columns and piers define edges
- Carved vault over the entrance referencing ancient architecture
Greek Temple Front:
- Pediment resembling Parthenon
- Misalignment issue with supporting pilasters
  - Alberti's solution: Decorative attic zone with patterned squares to distract the viewer
Overall Geometry:
- Entire façade fits into a square, subdivided into smaller squares

Unifying Elements: S-shaped scrolls to connect tall nave and shorter aisles
- Inspired by Brunelleschi’s dome lantern
- Rosette inside the scroll echoing the round window
Symbolism:
- Child's face in sunburst on the pediment symbolizes resurrection and afterlife

Giovanni Rucellai's name and insignia present above the sunburst
- Wind-blown sails symbolize hope for salvation
Medici Family:
- Crest displayed above the central doorway, indicating loyalty
- Medici family was wealthier and more powerful than Rucellai

Significance: Santa Maria Novella encapsulates the 15th-century architectural innovation and the interplay of Gothic and Renaissance styles.