For both Italian art and architecture appreciators and just those who enjoy reading fascinating stories Brunelleschi’s Dome by a modern writer, Ross King is a must-read. The book was first published in 1998 and immediately attracted a lot of attention and received much appraisal.
Brunelleschi’s Dome is the story of the construction of the dome of the world-renowned cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence by a famous Italian architect Filippo Brunelleschi who had an invaluable genius that was initially underrated by his contemporaries but eventually becomes the creator of one of the most prominent and impressive Renaissance cathedrals.
Set in the 15th century the book commences with the history of the cathedral. It is said that the building of the cathedral began long ago in the 13th century. Still, under construction, the cathedral needs new ideas to finish the work. The contest is announced among architects and anyone knowledgeable at a design to participate in the construction of the dome: “Whoever desires to make any model or design for the vaulting of the main Dome…shall do so before the end of the month of September” (King 21).
Filippo Brunelleschi was a goldsmith and also worked as clockmaker. He becomes very interested in the opportunity to contribute to the building of a architectural masterpiece. And this is when his intentions become an obsession for him. The point is that he is not the only one who desires to take part in the contest. Lorenzo Ghiberti, a young goldsmith and a prospective profound architect, also enters the competition and becomes Filippo’s rival. Two architects had to provide their ideas on how to stand an egg on a flat marble piece. A very talented mathematician, a skillful architect, and a very witty person, “Filippo simply cracks the egg on the bottom and then stands it upright when all of the other contestants fail the test” (King 31). Filippo is allowed to design a project for the dome and take all the responsibility for its construction. I must admit this is one of my favorite episodes in the book as it fully reveals the sharp wit and genius of Filippo. On the other hand, the story of the famous architect abounds in grasping details of Brunelleschi’s career and his aspiration to create a masterpiece that it is difficult to single out one chapter that I particularly like.
Winning a competition, Brunelleschi sets out to work. He intends to build a dome that excels all the existing domes in width and height with no external piers to prevent its destruction.
Filippo Brunelleschi was so absorbed in the project and used so innovative techniques that he was called a madman at first. The author describes the political intrigues of Filippo’s rivals and envious people and the obstacles that they set before Brunelleschi. In the first part of his book, King Ross depicts the new techniques and methods the architect implements. First, it is pointed out that Filippo intends to use only bricks, mortar, and marble to build an enormous dome. For that time it was impossible to imagine that such an insane idea could be brought into life. To achieve his plans Filippo creates a hoist with an ox that makes it possible for workers to pull the bricks and spares them the effort to carry the bricks and other supplies to the dome.
Full of many ideas Brunelleschi fears that somebody may steal them and has to use secret codes for his notes that he puts down on the parchment. His secret codes were a combination of numbers and different symbols known only to Filippo that not only kept safe his ingenious ideas from his contemporaries but also the next generations.
While reading the book I was amazed and impressed by the strength of the architect and his sheer desire to capture his ideas into posterity. I was also wondering what could have happened if Filippo was not chosen to build the dome. What could have happened if his rival Lorenzo had won the competition? But I am pleased to know that Filippo stood his ground and devoted all his life to building such a magnificent dome.
A very detailed story of the dome construction and the unique personality of Filippo Brunelleschi, the book provides an insight into the world of Renaissance art. Moreover, it is not only the description of the dome construction but a very subtle observation of a place of genius in the art world and the relations between traditions and innovations.
Works Cited
King, Ross. Brunelleschi’s Dome. London: Vintage, 2008.