Renaissance painter and architect GIOVANNI MARIA FALCONETTO designed
the first rigorously al antica structure in the Veneto: the Loggia
Cornaro, commissioned by Falconetto's patron and promoter Alvise
Cornaro for the garden of his home in Padua. Thus, although many
precursors can be cited, Falconetto can be fairly described as the architect
who finally launched in Northern Italy and Venice the Renaissance architectural
concepts that had already taken root in Rome and Florence. That introduction
soon formed a foundation for the work of Andrea
Palladio of Padua and Vicenza, which changed the course of Western
architecture.
Falconetto grew
up in a family of artists. His father Giacomo, brother Giovanni and
great-uncle Stefano de Verona were all established painters. After a
period of study in Rome, Falconetto's own focus centered on architecture,
perhaps at the urging of Alvise Cornaro, with whom Falconetto's name
is inextricably linked.
Cornaro had a
hand in virtually all of Falconetto's work in the Veneto. In addition
to his designing of the Loggia Cornaro, Falconetto may also have played
a role in the adjoining Odeo Cornaro, although
that structure was erected after his death. Falconetto also designed
Cornaro's villa at Este; the elements of the villa itself have been
largely lost through subsequent renovation, but an imposing adjacent
gate remains in Falconetto's characteristic design. Cornaro, through
his relationship with the Bishop of Padua, was no doubt responsible
also for Falconetto's commission to design the magnificent Villa dei
Vescovi [Villa of the Bishops] at Luvigliano.
