PALLADIO, Andrea
(b. 1508, Padova, d. 1580, Maser)

Exterior view

1565-71
Photo
Palazzo Valmarana, Vicenza

Palladio, who traveled to Rome several times between 1541 and 1551, took his inspiration for the Palazzo Valmarana from Michelangelo's plans for the Roman Capitol - though the result is entirely individual. The palace had little in common with contemporary palaces in Venice.

According to a commemorative coin, the building was commissioned by the widow of Giovanni Alvise Valmarana. Palladio published the whole plan in his treatise, but only the front part of it was completed as envisaged. This was the first time that Palladio used a Colossal order of pilasters in a secular building.

The photo shows the façade of the palace.




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