November 2006    

Building Renaissance Venice: Patrons, Architects and Builders c. 1430-1500 Author: Richard J. Goy Publisher: Yale University Press $65.00 Cloth (316 p.) ISBN: 9780300112924 B&T         YBP Reviewed by Marcia Amidon Lusted, Statusing One of the most lasting images of the city of Venice is the grand and sometimes shabby palazzi, or palaces, that line the canals. In his new book, Richard Goy -- who has written extensively on both Venice and Florence -- explores the construction of the palazzi of Venice and other great buildings that were constructed during the Renaissance period. Goy approaches this subject by looking at the construction process in terms of Venetian society and politics of the time. Creating a major structure such as a palazzo or a church or a public building was not just a question of construction. It was also one of patronage and money, the architects, and the responsibilities of the master builders and the other groups of workmen. Goy begins with the first ideas for these buildings in the minds of the patrons who would commission and finance them, then moves on to the particular architects chosen for the job, the employment of a master builder (contractor), selecting materials and dealing with the unusual building conditions in a place like Venice, to the actual working conditions at the site. He also explores the building industry at that time and the link between some of Venice's most wealthy merchants and the market for building materials. Finally he focuses on particular buildings, such as the clock tower in the Piazza San Marco and the gate of the Arsenal, and the church of San Zaccaria, and traces the process of their creation in detail using many existing original documents relating to their construction. This is a thorough and well-researched book and involves much more than a casual read. It gives a fascinating glimpse into the structure of Venetian politics and life at one of the last great periods in its history as a republic, as well as Venetian architecture and how some of the city's most amazing structures came into being. For anyone with an interest in architecture or Venetian history, it is well worth the time and attention necessary to read this detailed and wonderful book. Published by YBP Library Services 999 Maple St., Contoocook, NH 03229 USA v: 800.258.3774   f: 603.746.5628 w: www.ybp.com   e: academia@ybp.com All rights reserved.