Brunelleschi, FILIPPO

Brunelleschi, FILIPPO, one of the greatest Italian architects, was born at Florence in 1377. A goldsmith first, then a sculptor, he finally devoted himself to architecture, studying zealously perspective and geometry. At Rome he became imbued with classical traditions, and soon after his return to Florence in 1407, he offered his plan for completing the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, founded in 1296, and now only wanting a dome. It was approved, spite of its boldness and novelty, but the work was not put into his hands till 1419. The great work was finished, all but the lantern, with which he intended to crown the whole, when he died at Florence in 1446. Brunelleschi's dome, measured diametrically, is the largest in the world, and served as a model to Michael Angelo for that of St Peter's. Besides this masterpiece he executed several other great works, such as the churches of Spirito Santo and San Lorenzo, as well as the designs for the Pitti Palace, which originated the beautiful style of Tuscan palace-architecture in the 15th century.