Architecture-Building & Construction

Sangallo, Florentine family of 15th- and 16th-century architects, who were also sculptors and military engineers.

Renaissance Church by Sangallo Italian architect Giuliano da Sangallo played an important role in spreading early Renaissance architectural principles of harmony, balance, and proportion. The plan of his Church of the Madonna delle Carceri in Prato, Italy (completed 1491), is a highly stable Greek, or equal-armed cross, topped with a dome.Scala/Art Resource, NY

GIULIANO DA SANGALLO

(1445-1516), regarded by his contemporaries as one of the most influential architects of his era, was instrumental in disseminating the principles of the early Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi. Giuliano's masterpiece, the Church of the Madonna delle Carceri (1491, Prato), one of the earliest Italian churches built on the plan of a Greek cross, is considered an almost perfect embodiment of the early Italian Renaissance architectural ideal.

ANTONIO SANGALLO THE ELDER

(circa 1455-1535), brother of Giuliano, built many military fortifications and civic buildings. His Church of the Madonna di San Biagio (1528, Montepulciano) is an exceptionally beautiful example of the High Renaissance style in Italy.

ANTONIO SANGALLO THE YOUNGER

(1483-1546), nephew and pupil of Giuliano and Antonio the Elder, was—with Donato Bramante and Raphael—one of the three leading architects of the High Renaissance. Also the preeminent military engineer of the day, he left Florence for Rome in his 20s and in 1536-46 was chief architect for Saint Peter's Basilica. His massive, classically severe Farnese Palace (1510-46) remained an influential academic ideal even in the 19th century.

Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia. All rights reserved.