Filippo Brunelleschi: A Visual Analysis

Have you ever stood at the beginning of a very long room or hallway? If you have, then you probably noticed that everything gradually gets smaller in the distance. This is called linear perspective and it is defined by creating an illusion of depth on a flat surface through a series of lines that converge in a single vanishing point. Many architects use linear perspective in there work to this day, but Filippo Brunelleschi was the one who started it long ago in the design and construction of San Lorenzo and Santo Spirito. One of Brunelleschi’s linear perspective designs is a church called San Lorenzo that is located in Florence, Italy. This church is built from vertical and horizontal support columns, pilasters, and arches that run throughout the interior and straight walls on the exterior (Image 2.1). Once you enter through the central door and into the nave (Image 1.1), it is clear to see that linear perspective is used. Everything in the nave seems elongated and directs your attention to a rectangular shaped area in the front that contains the altar. Many element help guide your eyes to the front like the floor, ceiling, and …show more content…
First off, there general appearance is very similar and this can be seen in plan as they are both latin crosses, but also upon first glimpse inside the naves. Inside, they both consist of rows of columns and arches that work in the same manner of not only holding up the building, but by helping create linear perspective. Also, linear perspective is achieved through grids systems leading to a central altar that has a dome on top to cap off the area. Lastly, Brunelleschi main concern with building designs was to incorporate a linear perspective and something he didn't care about was how to turn a corner. This is seen as you start approaching the alter and in his corners nothing lines up that well and it creates an eye