In referring to pages 218 – 219 of our text, it is well understood that Bramante had a hankering to “reinvent the wheel” when it came to what Rome was comfortable with calling a church. The construction of St Peter’s Basilica had many architects, all of which we are familiar with today. In your response for this week, research the history of St Peter’s basilica and answer the following questions in your summary of its past:
1) What made Bramante special for his time? Why was he initially privileged with the task of this construction? What faults had he made in his design plan that intimidated commissioners?
2) Who were the star players that came in after Bramante’s plan was drawn up? What changes did they make to his design? Did their adjustments cater to Bramante’s taste in any way? In what ways did their adjustments cater to Rome and in what ways to their adjustments bring them their own recognition as masters of their period?
3) There were two popular designs for churches in this period, what were they and which one is the basilica of St Peter associated with? Identify the design characteristics of both of these church building designs.