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Donato BramanteItalian architect
Country:
 Italy |
Content:
- Donato Bramante: The Master of High Renaissance Architecture
- Early Life andArtistic Beginnings
- Architectural Masterpieces in Milan
- Influence of Ancient Rome and Papal Patronage
- St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican Masterworks
- Iconic Temple and Renaissance Palace
- Death and Legacy
Donato Bramante: The Master of High Renaissance Architecture
Donato Bramante (born Pascuccio d'Antonio) was born in Monte Asdrualdo (now Fermignano) in the Duchy of Urbino, Central Italy.
Early Life andArtistic Beginnings
Initially training as a painter, possibly under Piero della Francesca and Andrea Mantegna, Bramante worked as a decorative artist before pursuing architecture, becoming one of the greatest architects of the High Renaissance.
Architectural Masterpieces in Milan
Bramante's architectural career began in Milan, where he remodeled the churches of Santa Maria presso San Satiro (1479-1483) and Santa Maria delle Grazie (1492-1497).
Influence of Ancient Rome and Papal Patronage
From 1499, Bramante established himself in Rome, where he studied ancient monuments and developed his style. He became involved in major architectural projects under the patronage of Popes Alexander VI (1489-1503) and Julius II (1503-1513).
St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican Masterworks
Bramante was the first chief architect of the new St. Peter's Basilica (1506-1514), but he did not complete the project. Despite changes to the plan, Michelangelo's eventual design retained Bramante's concept of a centralized structure. Within the Vatican Palace complex are Bramante's Belvedere Courtyards (1503-1545) and the Court of San Damaso (c. 1510).
Iconic Temple and Renaissance Palace
Other notable works include the Tempietto (1502), a circular temple in the courtyard of San Pietro in Montorio, the cloister of the church of Santa Maria della Pace, and the façade of the Palazzo della Cancelleria (1499-1511), one of the most exquisite Renaissance palaces in Rome.
Death and Legacy
Bramante died in Rome on March 11, 1514. His legacy as an architectural innovator and master of the High Renaissance continues to inspire architects to this day.
