ROCKY'S ITALY: Florence - Michelangelo's Laurentian Library Part 2

Summary

This video explores the unique architectural features of a square vestibule designed by Michelangelo. It highlights the massive scroll-like elements, called brackets, which are unusually large compared to traditional architectural standards. The video contrasts Michelangelo’s work with Brunelleschi’s style, noting the distinctive use of gray Sandstone (Pietra Serena) and white stucco. It raises intriguing questions about the structural logic of the brackets, which seem to defy gravity as they float in stuccoed spaces, creating a sense of architectural mystery and innovation.

Takeaways

• 📐 The vestibule is square-shaped, with each side measuring about 35 feet.
• 🪜 One side of the vestibule is occupied by the staircase, while the other three sides feature large scroll-like elements called brackets.
• 🔍 Brackets are typically smaller in size and used to transition between curved and rectangular architectural features.
• 💪 Michelangelo's brackets are much larger than usual, breaking traditional architectural norms.
• 🏛️ Michelangelo's architecture is influenced by Brunelleschi's style, which uses a bichrome color scheme of gray sandstone (Pietra Serena) and white stucco.
• 🎨 In Brunelleschi's syntax, the gray elements are structural, while the white stucco areas represent empty space.
• ❓ The placement of Michelangelo's brackets in the white stucco areas raises questions about what is supporting them, suggesting they might be anti-gravitational or self-supporting.
• ⬇️ The entire lower level of the vestibule is dedicated to the staircase.
• 🚪 The staircase occupies a significant portion of the vestibule's space.
• 🎵 The video is accompanied by background music, which emphasizes the architectural discussion.

Q & A

What is the shape of the vestibule described in the transcript?

The vestibule is square in shape, with each side being about 35 feet long.

What feature occupies one of the sides of the vestibule?

One of the sides of the vestibule is occupied by a staircase.

What elements occupy the other three sides of the vestibule?

The other three sides are occupied by massive scroll-like elements known as brackets.

How do Michelangelo's brackets differ from typical brackets in architecture?

Michelangelo's brackets are much larger than typical brackets, breaking with traditional architectural protocol.

What is the usual function of brackets in architecture?

Brackets are usually used to transition between a curved arch and a rectilinear entablature above.

Which architect's style inspired Michelangelo's architecture in this context?

Michelangelo's architecture was largely inspired by Brunelleschi's style.

What is the bichrome color arrangement used by Brunelleschi?

Brunelleschi's bichrome color arrangement involves gray sandstone, called Pietra Serena, representing structure, and white stucco, representing air.

What question is raised regarding the large brackets in Michelangelo's design?

The question is what supports these large brackets, as they appear to be suspended in white stucco spaces.

What are the potential explanations suggested for how the brackets are supported?

The transcript humorously suggests that the brackets might be anti-gravitational or self-propelled.

What is the purpose of the lower level of the vestibule?

The entire lower level is dedicated to the staircase, rising as high as the staircase itself.