Campanile van de Santa Maria del Fiore te Florence 1733 - 1755

Bernardo Sansone Sgrilli created this print of the Campanile of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence using etching. The composition is divided into three vertical sections. On the left, a detailed elevation of the campanile showcases its Gothic architectural elements through precise lines. The center column features floor plans, each a study in geometric variation, giving a bird's-eye view of the structure. To the right, a cross-sectional view reveals the interior's vertical progression and structural components, emphasizing the interplay between interior space and exterior form. The print transcends mere documentation. It is a semiotic endeavor, using architectural representation to convey knowledge about proportion, structure and design. The detailed rendering and formal arrangement suggests a cultural drive to codify architectural knowledge. It offers a discourse on how buildings embody and communicate cultural values.