videos + essays
The Arch of Septimius Severus, portal to ancient Rome
One of the most impressive monuments on the Roman Forum
Andrea Palladio, Teatro Olimpico
The design for this Roman-inspired auditorium wed Palladio’s antiquarian knowledge with his artistic innovation.
Michelangelo, Laurentian Library
Michelangelo turns book learning on its head. Defying classical grammar, he speaks his own architectural language.
Andrea Palladio, La Rotonda
One of the most recognizable buildings of the Renaissance, this country home was modeled on ancient Roman temples.
Leon Battista Alberti, Palazzo Rucellai
This domestic building references ancient Roman architecture—and the nearby Medici palace.
