Palazzo Medici Riccardi Michelozzo 1444
original design by
Brunelleschi but rejected for being too grand and could provoke eny
Courtyard includes
a loggia with barrel vaulting a large frieze, dominated by roundels, spandrels support the entablature. Composite columns support an arcade of rounded arches.
Piano noble
allows them to look down on the community and to keep away from the noise and smell of street lie
dynamic city palace built for
cosimo de Medici the leading family in Florence
Sgraffito
decoration scratched through a dark layer used on the entablature- very expensive.
Medici private life shown by
elegant decorative arcaded courtyard and airy open courtyard
placed in the centre of Florence
focus of the community
square courtyard
geometric principles, carvings and sculptures in relief by accomplished masters
Gravitas
gives it weight, dignity and seriousness.
household ornaments of
gold and silver, polished marble features, tapestries and bookcases.
Pietra Serena
is a grey sandstone used extensively for architectural details & expensive.
Composition
is symmetrical with mathematical arrangements to promote balance and harmony
top floor
offices with ashlar stonework to create the illusion of it being taller.
luxurious residence
place for work, their textile business was situated here
1st floor
rusticated stonework, warehouses
Lots of windows
shows wealth, regular fenestration on rows, irregular throughout
Reserved detail on exterior
to prevent jealousy and envy
classical features
topped pediments, corbel supports, overhanging cornice, casts a shadow to show dominance and power and to give protection from the elements
Large Fortress like building
tripartite elevation divided by a stringcourse
roman rounded arches in loggia with
vaulted ceiling, shelter from the elements
windows are decorated with
voussoirs + Medici symbols to promote wealth and status