MANFRED WUNDRAM

No other architect in the history of Western art has had an influence so spontaneous and yet so enduring as Andrea Palladio. Palladianism broke through all cultural stylistic barriers. It spread not only throughout the Neo-Latin nations but held Germany, the Netherlands, and the countries of Eastern Europe in its sway and formed the lineaments of English architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries. Palladio lived in an age which was extremely exciting for the historical development of architecture and his work was an important factor in the evolution from to Baroque. This volume offers a thorough introduction to the architecture of Palladio and includes all works which researchers have attributed to him.

With this introduction to the work of Andrea Palladio (1508-1580), TASCHEN's Basic Architecture series shines its spotlight on one of the most influential figures in the history of Western architecture. Palladio's "Villa Rotonda" in Vicenza became the most famous building of its kind; it influenced many later designs and remains an important source of inspiration for today's architects. The Palladian style, distinguished by the typical Serlian windows, pillared façades resembling Roman temples, symmetrical floor plans, and elevations, was imported to other European countries and became widely known; in Great Britain it was one the important roots of 17th and 18th century architecture. In the 19th century, American architecture heavily referred to the style, as seen in, for example, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello home.

Con la pintura del Renacimiento, el arte occidental alcanza su apogeo. En este género se reflejan los cambios obrados en la concepción del mundo por las ciencias naturales y los grandes descubrimientos, por las tensiones religiosas y las agitaciones politicas y sociales. Lo real y lo ideal, lo profano y lo sacro, el extasis contemplativo y el frio escepticismo conviven bajo un mismo techo.