Gold medals in rowing defined the early life of Brenno Del Giudice before he transitioned into a career as an Italian architect. Throughout his tenure at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia and his subsequent professional practice, he contributed to the landscape of his home city, Venice, as well as broader national projects.
Rowing Accomplishments
Del Giudice was a member of the Francesco Querini rowing club, named after the polar explorer who died in 1900. Alongside his twin brother Scipione, he achieved significant success in international rowing competitions. In 1908, they won the Italian championship and the European championship in the coxed four. Further successes followed in 1909 and 1910, where they claimed multiple national titles and gold medals at the European Rowing Championships. By 1911, he secured gold with the eight-man crew at the European Championships on Lake Como.
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After graduating from the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia in 1908, Del Giudice worked under the Venetian architect Giuseppe Torres. His design work included the 1925 monument to the fallen of Vidor and the 1929 construction of the Chiesa di Cristo Re on the island of Sant'Erasmo. In 1926, he produced the marketing materials for the 15th international art exhibition at the Venice Biennale and developed the entrance pavilions, which have since been removed.
Major Commissions and Unimplemented Designs
In 1932, Del Giudice entered a competition for the design of the La Spezia Cathedral, which had become an episcopal seat five years earlier. He maintained work on the commission until 1950, but the designs were never brought to fruition. A subsequent competition held in 1956 resulted in the commission being awarded to Adalberto Libera.
Fast facts
- Born: 23 November 1888, Venice
- Died: 6 December 1957, Venice
- Education: Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia
- Nationality: Italian
- Primary Occupations: Architect, rower
- Twin brother: Scipione Del Giudice
Questions readers ask
Did Brenno Del Giudice ever compete in the Olympics?
No. Although he was a successful rower, the 1912 Italian Olympic appearance for the eight was cancelled following a collision and subsequent ban involving his rowing club.
What became of his design for the La Spezia Cathedral?
Despite working on the project for nearly two decades, his designs were never implemented, and the contract was ultimately won by Adalberto Libera in 1956.
Achievements
- Trained at Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia
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