Borngasser, B., 2003. The Architecture of the Baroque. In: R. Toman, ed. 2003. Baroque and Rococo: architecture, painting, sculpture. Berlin: Feierabend.
Burroughs, C., 1998. Grammar and expression in early Renaissance architecture: Brunelleschi and Alberti. RES: Antropology and Aesthetics, 34, pp. 39-63.
A well known architectural historian, Burroughs, examines in his article two greats of early Renaissance architecture. Both Brunelleschi and Alberti greatly influenced architects of the following generations and they are still considered two of the most important people in the field of all time. The author examines not only their careers, but also their writings, works, influences both past and contemporary and the specific architectural language each developed. Brunelleschi is most famous for his work on religious buildings in Florence, like the Cathedral, while Alberti wrote down the rules of architecture in his famous treatise on architecture. Any study of Renaissance, but also Baroque art, without acknowledging their contributions would be incomplete.
Clifton-Taylor, A., 2001. The Cathedrals of England. London: Thames and Hudson.The author wrote a comprehensive although very specialized book on religious architecture in
England. Beginning from the earliest cathedrals of the Norman period, he continues by examining all the great works of religious architecture of subsequent periods until the Reformation and beyond. The author refrains from using traditional terms like Renaissance and Baroque, preferring instead to use his own terminology, giving English cathedrals a special place in the history of architecture. He nevertheless makes parallels with what was going on in the rest of Europe at the time, providing the reader with a unique view of European and English religious architecture.
Huemer, F., 2002. Borromini and Michelangelo: the Propaganda Fide façade. Notes in the History of Art, 21 (2), pp. 30-35.
Having as a starting point the façade of a building, the author analyses the influence of Michelangelo on one of the most famous Baroque architects, Borromini. The building that served as both a palace and a church is a unique blending of religious and secular architecture. Huemer’s analysis manages to show the evolution but also the continuity of architecture in the Renaissance and Baroque periods in Italy and the dialogue in which artists –past and contemporary- were engaged.
McClendon, C.B., 1989. The history of the site of St Peter’s basilica, Rome. Perspecta, 25, pp. 32-65.
St Peter’s basilica is a building that features both Renaissance and Baroque constructions. Great architects, like Michelangelo and Bernini have added their contributions to the church and the square that surrounds it, making it one of the most important Christian monuments in the world. The author examines the history of the site and the basilica itself and analyzes the different parts that were constructed in different times in reverse chronological order beginning from the 20th century. The work of Renaissance and Baroque artists, is therefore, placed into perspective and is better understood as part of a work of architecture that still stands today.
Murray, P., 2006. The architecture of the Italian Renaissance. London: Thames and Hudson.
Although first printed in 1963, Professor Murray’s survey of architecture during the Italian Renaissance remains a classic book for the major works and architects of the period. Now, in its third –enlarged- edition, the book provides a comprehensive view of the buildings –both religious and secular- that were created in Italy in the 15th and 16th centuries and what led to their creation. Architects like Brunelleschi, Alberti, Bramante and Michelangelo are discussed and their contribution in architecture thoroughly analyzed. The author consults a variety of primary and secondary sources and the book is illustrated by a number of images, which are sadly in black and white.
Watkin, D., 2011. A history of western architecture. London: Laurence King.
David Watkin is a professor of architectural history at Cambridge University, and his book A history of western architecture is considered one of the best histories of western architecture. The author examines the evolution of architecture from the first human civilizations in Mesopotamia and Egypt until our 21st century. His argument is that for most of the time architecture used –and continues to use- a classical language, something that makes western architecture from the 5th century BC onwards a continuous expression of classical ideals. Although, this view has been contested, it is undoubtedly interesting. The placement of Renaissance and Baroque religious architecture in that context offers a unique way to look at these buildings and the people who created them.
