“Francesco di Giorgio Martini: An Architectural Reconstruction”

Collection of essays to be published by Peter Lang, Winter 2009. Edited by Berthold Hub, ETH Zurich, and Angeliki Pollali, The American College of Greece.

Francesco di Giorgio Martini represents a unique case in the history of Renaissance “universal men.” Painter, sculptor, architect and military engineer, he was the Sienese counterpart of Leonardo da Vinci. The high demand for his services - employed at the courts of Urbino and Naples and referee for the cathedrals of Milan and Pavia - speaks of the esteem of his contemporaries. The fame that he enjoyed during his lifetime was not destined to outlive the sixteenth century. Vasari’s assertion that Francesco did more to resurrect good architecture than anyone since Brunelleschi still comes as a surprise to modern readers. Francesco di Giorgio Martini remains one of least studied Quattrocento architects.

In compiling this collection of essays, we wish to examine the different aspects of Francesco di Giorgio’s architectural oeuvre that have received little attention or have been entirely overlooked by recent scholarship. We hope to include in depth readings of his architectural theories, and especially of the relationship between theory and practice. Interdisciplinary approaches are particularly welcome. We invite proposals for papers from anyone working in the field of Renaissance architectural history and theory.

Topics could include but are not restricted to:

• History and Theory of Architecture

• Cultural and Material context

• Architectural Patronage

• History of Science and Engineering

• History of the Illustrated Book

Abstracts of no more than 500 words and current CV, including full name, email address, and any institutional affiliation, should be submitted to both Berthold Hub (berthold.hub@gta.arch.ethz.ch) and Angeliki Pollali (apollali@acgmail.gr) by February 29, 2008. Please note that the final paper should be approximately 5,000 words including notes. All quotations should be accompanied by English translations. Obtaining permission to use images in the final publication will be the responsibility of the author.

Submission Timeline

- February 29, 2008 Abstract submission deadline.
- March 17, 2008 Notification of abstract acceptance. Invitation to full paper submission.
- June 15, 2008 Submission of papers.
- August 31, 2008 All final entries submitted by e-mail. Work submitted after August 31 will not be eligible for publication.

Dr. Berthold Hub
Assistant Professor
ETH Zurich
Institute for History and Theory of Architecture

Dr. Angeliki Pollali
Adjunct Professor, Italian Renaissance Art and Architecture
The American College of Greece