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Erin Kim

Ambassador School of Global Leadership

Advanced Placement United States History

2 February 2018

Topic B; Question III

Modern Architecture: The Mirror Image of Renaissance Architecture

During the early 15th and early 17th century, architecture truly embodied the height of

the Renaissance era. Its profound significance reached all over Europe as the era of rebirth

transformed the continent. It is one of the most well-renowned rebirths of the Renaissance,

displaying a sensible resurgence and a gradual development of certain stylistic elements of

ancient Greek and Roman material culture––particularly symmetry and classical orders.

Stylistically speaking, Renaissance architecture mirrored many prominent features of Gothic

architecture and was superseded by Baroque architecture. Although the mastering of the

architectural details of the ancient Romans was an important aspect of Renaissance architecture,

stylistic elements semi-dominated the distinctiveness of Renaissance architecture; the style

become more centered upon being more decorative and ornamental, with an omnipresent use of

statuary, domes, and cupolas; these buildings revealed expressions of strength, stability, and

security––this led to an appeal in both emotion and reason.

One of the most renowned architectural masterpieces of the Renaissance is Palazzo

Strozzi; it was different from other Renaissance architecture for its massive scale relative to the

neighboring buildings of the period between the early 15th and early 17th centuries. Not only

was the enormous scale set the building apart from others, but the chosen area it was built
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upon––right in the center of town––was a huge factor in highlighting the uniqueness of the

architecture. Due to its architectural beauty and exceptional location, it became the mecca of the

town. Although it served as a place of residence for the family of Filippo Strozzi and the most

magnificent place to maintain his family’s high rank, it stands as one of the finest examples of

Renaissance domestic architecture and as a famous tourist attraction opened as an exhibition.

The architectural rebirth of the Renaissance has been proven to have inspired some of

the most influential buildings of the modern times––the Federal Reserve Bank of New York; it is

also called “the copy of Palazzo Strozzi (The Fed).” Its size and majesty, features that have been

underlined in Renaissance Florence, contrasts with the neighboring buildings, high towers, and

skyscrapers of the modern era. Architecturally, the Federal Reserve Bank closely mirrors the

buildings from the Italian Renaissance period, displaying a palazzo, or a palatial building,

reminiscent of former Florentine banking houses such as the Strozzi Palace. Like the buildings of

the Italian Renaissance, the building revealed expressions of strength, stability, and security,

inspiring public confidence. Apart from the architectural and expressional similarities, there are

two important factors that they have in common: the two similar buildings were buildings of

purpose, and were meccas. The responsibilities of the Federal Reserve Bank was huge as it

helped finance expenditures for the United States military by selling bonds and by being the

federal government’s fiscal agent. It serves as a mecca as it is a tourist attraction where free

guided tours are given to tourists in the area.

Many people look upon history as just ‘the time of the past’ and don’t bother to explore

the beauty of how it influenced our modern society. The influence of Renaissance architecture

has impacted the face of our modern form of architecture. For example, the Federal Reserve
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Bank of New York is very similar in regards to architectural style. The architecture of the Italian

Renaissance was clearly a pivotal point in history, as it was the rebirth of the European society

that has shaped modern history.

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Works Cited

Boundless. “Renaissance Architecture.” ​Renaissance Architecture | Boundless Art History,​

courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-arthistory/chapter/renaissance-architecture/.

“FEDERAL RESERVE BANK of NEW YORK - Serving the Second District and the Nation -

FEDERAL RESERVE BANK of NEW YORK.” ​FEDERAL RESERVE BANK of NEW

YORK - Serving the Second District and the Nation - FEDERAL RESERVE BANK of

NEW YORK,​ www.newyorkfed.org/.

Plumb, J.H. ​The Italian Renaissance​. ​Houghton Mifflin Company, 1987.

The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. “Renaissance architecture.” ​Encyclopædia Britannica,​

Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 8 July 2014,

www.britannica.com/art/Renaissance-architecture.

Travel | January 21, 2015. “Florence's Art Mecca In One Of the City's Oldest Palaces | Visiting

The Palazzo Strozzi.” ​Inspired Citizen​, 6 Feb. 2016,

www.inspiredcitizen.com/florences-art-mecca-in-one-of-the-citys-oldest-palaces-visiting-

the-palazzo-strozzi/.