The extrinsic in the architectural thinking of Leon Battista Alberti: a reading of Sant'Andrea in Mantua

Leon Battista Alberti's architectural theory, often perceived as focused solely on material and formal aspects, is revealed to also prioritize extrinsic elements—contextual, social, and moral dimensions—that are crucial to architecture's character. Through an analysis of his writings, including the treatise De re aedificatoria and his description of Sant'Andrea in Mantua, this study demonstrates that Alberti's naturalism extends to considering how architecture serves functional, conceptual, material, and moral purposes. His use of metaphor, such as 'roof,' 'hearth,' and 'table,' transcends literal meaning to encapsulate broader social and ethical significance. By reinterpreting Sant'Andrea through this lens, the study refutes claims of rhetorical insincerity in Alberti's later work, highlighting his innovative approach to integrating extrinsic factors into architectural thought.

LAWSON, J. (2012). The extrinsic in the architectural thinking of Leon Battista Alberti: a reading of Sant’Andrea in Mantua. Renaissance Studies, 27(2), 253–269. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1477-4658.2012.00799.x