Netherlandish Sculptors as Designers of Architecturein Sixteenth-Century Northern Europe

Abstract

Netherlandish Sculptors as Designers of Architecture
in Sixteenth-Century Northern Europe

This paper discusses the complex process of architectural design in the sixteenth century Netherlandish tradition, in particular the diffusion of architectural knowledge between various crafts. Moreover, it demonstrates how architectural drawings served as the key tool of communication between various individuals involved In architectural design, including the patrons. Sixteenth century witnessed a widespread dissemination of architectural knowledge among exponents of various crafts, in particular sculptors. Motivated by a variety of factors, ranging from the inflence of Vitruvian theory to purely economic considerations, sculptor-architects became actively involved in designing architecture as well as the actual building works. Such sculptor-architects were highly versatile artists, involved in designing civil and military architecture, town planning and the like. Quite often they also acted as consultants, conducting a quality control of a building project. The growing involvement of sculptors in architectural design corresponded to a profound transformation of Netherlandish sculpture itself, where architectural elements began to play a central role. Embarking on architectural design, sculptor-architects had to closely cooperate with building masters, engineers and other professionals involved in the building industry. In this highly flxible and competitive environment, architectural drawing became the main tool of communication, the primary carrier of architectural ideas allowing for an exchange between architects, building masters, engineers and their learned patrons.