LEON BATTISTA ALBERTI (1404-1472)

Alberti was one of the first "Renaissance men": he was an architect, writer and theorist. With Brunelleschi, he was largely responsible for the development of the Renaissance style of architecture. He is often referred to as the first architect because he was instrumental in separating the designer of a building from its physical construction.

More prolific as a writer and theorist than architect, Alberti's theories were based on the Roman model, strongly influenced by Pliny and Vitruvius. Writing for the commoner, issues of daily life, morality and integrity were of greatest importance and were presented in a manner that made ancient ideas seem modern. De re aedificatoria (Ten Books on Architecture) was to become one of the most important books on Renaissance architecture. His friendship with the architect Brunelleschi led him to develop his theories of perspective.

His work in architecture did not begin until around 1438, and there are very few major works. Under the aegis of Pope Nicholas V, he began the reconstruction of St. Peter's and the Vatican Palace. Training in mathematics was instrumental in all of his work, from architecture to his studies of perspective. As a Humanist, it was again ancient Rome that most intrigued him. His theories on mathematical proportions were based on classical art. This was to affect all aspects of his work. Early architectural works are influenced by Bruneleschi. In turn, Alberti was to influence the work of Bramante.