Villa Saraceno, Agugliaro 1545

Villa Saraceno in Agugliaro, made by Andrea Palladio, is predominantly constructed of brick covered in stucco. Rather than expensive marble or stone, Palladio opted for humble materials, a pragmatic choice that was also very much in keeping with a humanist aesthetic. Notice how the facade is articulated by a series of arches and windows. This was achieved by skilled bricklayers meticulously laying the bricks and covering them with stucco, a type of plaster made from lime, sand, and water. The stucco was then carefully shaped to create the desired architectural features. The repetitive nature of bricklaying and stucco work is a testament to the labor involved in creating this villa. It underscores the social context of the time, where skilled craftsmen played a crucial role in realizing the visions of architects like Palladio. This is not just a work of design; it's an embodiment of collective labor and expertise. Looking closely at these materials and the way they were worked, one appreciates the complex interplay of design, craft, and social context in Villa Saraceno.