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Vitruvius

Vitruvius Vitruvius[1†]

Vitruvius, a 1st-century BC Roman architect and engineer, is best known for his treatise De Architectura, the only surviving ancient work on architectural theory. This influential text, regarded as foundational since the Renaissance, emphasizes the principles of strength, utility, and beauty in architecture. Vitruvius also discussed proportion, inspiring Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man. Though little is known about his life, he served as a Roman military engineer specializing in artillery. His work has shaped European architecture, with figures like Michelangelo and Palladio drawing from his ideas[1†][2†].

Early Years and Education

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, better known simply as Vitruvius, was born around 80-70 BC[1†][3†]. Little is known about his childhood or early education[1†][4†]. It is believed that he was born in the Roman Republic, during a period of significant cultural and political change[1†][3†].

Vitruvius’ early life and education remain largely a mystery, as most inferences about him are extracted from his only surviving work, "De Architectura"[1†]. His full name is sometimes given as “Marcus Vitruvius Pollio”, but both the first and last names are uncertain[1†].

Despite the lack of specific details about his early years and education, it is clear that Vitruvius had a broad and deep understanding of various disciplines. His work in “De Architectura” covers a wide range of topics such as science, mathematics, geometry, astronomy, astrology, medicine, meteorology, philosophy, and the importance of the effects of architecture, both aesthetic and practical, on the everyday life of citizens[1†][3†]. This suggests that Vitruvius was not only educated in architecture and engineering, but also in a variety of other fields, demonstrating the breadth of his knowledge and the interdisciplinary nature of his education[1†][3†].

First Publication of His Main Works

Vitruvius’ most significant work is “De Architectura”, also known as "On Architecture"[2†][1†]. This multi-volume work is the only architectural treatise to survive from antiquity[2†][1†][5†]. It has been regarded since the Renaissance as the first book on architectural theory and a major source on the canon of classical architecture[2†][1†].

“De Architectura” is divided into ten books, each dealing with different aspects of architecture[2†]. Here is a brief overview of each book:

The treatise was based on Vitruvius’ own experience, as well as on theoretical works by famous Greek architects such as Hermogenes[2†]. It covers almost every aspect of architecture but is limited since it is based primarily on Greek models[2†]. From which Roman architecture was soon decisively to depart in order to serve the new needs of proclaiming a world empire[2†].

Vitruvius’ expressed desire that his name be honored by posterity was realized[2†]. Throughout the antique revival of the Renaissance, the classical phase of the Baroque, and in the Neoclassical period, his work was the chief authority on ancient classical architecture[2†].

Analysis and Evaluation

Vitruvius’ work, “De Architectura”, is a comprehensive treatise that covers almost every aspect of architecture[1†][6†]. However, it is primarily based on Greek models, which were soon to be departed from by Roman architecture to serve the new needs of a world empire[1†][6†].

His work is not just a manual of architecture, but also a philosophical statement. Vitruvius believed that an architect should focus on three central themes when preparing a design: firmitas (strength), utilitas (utility), and venustas (beauty)[1†]. These principles have been reflected in much of Ancient Roman architecture[1†].

Despite the comprehensive nature of “De Architectura”, it is unclear to what extent his contemporaries regarded his book as original or important[1†]. However, Vitruvius was aware that the work of some of the most talented individuals is often unknown, while many of those with lesser talent but greater political position are famous[1†]. This theme runs through Vitruvius’s ten books repeatedly, echoing an implicit prediction that he and his works will also be forgotten[1†].

However, Vitruvius’ work was not forgotten. Instead, it became a significant influence on many European countries’ architecture[1†]. Architects like Bramante, Michelangelo, Palladio, and Vignola are known to have studied Vitruvius’ work[1†]. His discussion of perfect proportion in architecture and the human body led to the famous Renaissance drawing of the Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci[1†][7†].

In conclusion, Vitruvius’ work has had a profound impact on the field of architecture, influencing a wide range of architects and styles over the centuries[1†][6†]. His principles of strength, utility, and beauty continue to be relevant today, underlining the timeless nature of his architectural philosophy[1†].

Personal Life

Little is known about the personal life of Vitruvius[1†][2†]. Most inferences about him are extracted from his only surviving work "De Architectura"[1†][2†]. His full name is sometimes given as “Marcus Vitruvius Pollio”, but both the first and last names are uncertain[1†][2†].

Vitruvius was born into a prominent Roman family[1†][8†]. He trained in architecture and served with the engineering corps in Caesar’s army[1†][8†]. He traveled widely with the army and served in Gaul[1†][8†]. For example, he was in the fortress of Larignum in 56 BC and in Marseilles in 48 BC[1†][8†].

It is clear that Vitruvius had a distinguished military career. He served as an artilleryman, the third class of arms in the Roman military offices[1†][9†]. He probably served as a senior officer of artillery in charge of doctores ballistarum and libratores who actually operated the machines[1†][9†].

Despite the lack of detailed personal information, Vitruvius’ life can be pieced together through his works and the historical context in which he lived. His contributions to architecture and engineering, as well as his service in the Roman military, paint a picture of a dedicated and skilled individual.

Conclusion and Legacy

Vitruvius’ legacy is vast and enduring, influencing architectural principles and practices long after his time[10†][1†]. His work, “De Architectura”, served as a guide for many renowned architects, including Palladio, Brunelleschi, and da Vinci[10†]. His principles of architecture: firmitas, utilitas, and venustas (“strength”, “utility”, and “beauty”), are reflected in much Ancient Roman architecture[10†][1†]. His discussion of perfect proportion in architecture and the human body led to the famous Renaissance drawing of the Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci[10†][1†].

Vitruvius emphasized the importance of location, construction materials, and technology in architecture[10†][11†]. His knowledge continues to benefit future generations[10†][11†]. His treatise, “De Architectura”, was widely copied in the Middle Ages and survives in many dozens of manuscripts[10†][1†]. From the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution, architects drew on the content of this book as a user manual and their profession’s “Bible”[10†].

Vitruvius’ work has had a significant impact on the architecture of many European countries[10†][1†]. His influence is also seen in the aesthetics of the southern plantation house, the US state capitals, and thousands of old bank buildings that evoke the imagery of Roman columns, white marble, and solid proportions[10†].

In conclusion, Vitruvius played a significant role in the field of architecture. His contributions to architecture and engineering, as well as his service in the Roman military, paint a picture of a dedicated and skilled individual. His legacy continues to influence modern architecture and serves as a testament to his profound impact on the field[10†][1†][11†].

Key Information

References and Citations:

  1. Wikipedia (English) - Vitruvius [website] - link
  2. Britannica - Vitruvius: Roman architect [website] - link
  3. World History - Vitruvius [website] - link
  4. Rethinking The Future - Life and works of Vitruvius - RTF [website] - link
  5. MIT Press - VitruviusWriting the Body of Architecture [website] - link
  6. Famous Architects - Vitruvius Architect [website] - link
  7. Art in Context - The "Vitruvian Man" by Da Vinci - Famous Human Proportion Study [website] - link
  8. MacTutor History of Mathematics - Vitruvius (85 BC - 20 BC) - Biography [website] - link
  9. Google Arts & Culture - Vitruvius [website] - link
  10. Myles Zhang - The Legacy of Vitruvius [website] - link
  11. Eightify - Vitruvius: The Architect of Julius Caesar's Legacy 🏛 [website] - link
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