Winning a competitive design process in 1871, Emilio De Fabris secured the commission to construct the west facade of the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral in Florence. His structural contribution required the difficult integration of fading Gothic aesthetics with more modern Renaissance sensibilities, tasking him with the application of red, green, and white marble across the grand exterior surface.
Early Education and Influences
Born in Florence in 1807, De Fabris pursued his architectural training at the Academy of Fine Arts within his home city. His professional development included extensive travel, notably to Rome, where he engaged with the archeologist Antonio Nibby. During his subsequent time in Venice, he established a connection with the art critic and historian Pietro Selvatico, experiences that informed his future design philosophies.
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Before his definitive work on the cathedral, De Fabris served as a professor at the Florentine Academy of Fine Arts. He held the official position of Architect to the Opera di Santa Croce. Between 1857 and 1860, he collaborated with Michelangelo Maiorfi on the design of the Palazzo della Borsa in Florence, demonstrating his capacity for large-scale urban projects during a period of shifting architectural standards.
Refining the Cathedral Facade
The project for Santa Maria del Fiore necessitated three separate competitions to address the limitations of Giotto's original plans. De Fabris was ultimately selected to modernize the appearance of the structure while maintaining its structural lines. Following his 1871 victory, he oversaw the meticulous embellishment of the facade until his death in 1883, ensuring the cathedral aligned with the rigorous demands of the Kingdom of Italy.
Fast facts
- Born: 1807, Florence
- Died: 1883, Florence
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Italy
- Occupation: Architect
- Primary Work: Santa Maria del Fiore facade
- Collaborator: Michelangelo Maiorfi
- Academic Role: Professor, Academy of Fine Arts in Florence
Questions readers ask
What was the main challenge of the Santa Maria del Fiore project?
The architect had to merge the outdated Gothic style with the more recent Renaissance architectural period while adhering to the original structural layout.
Did De Fabris work on other projects in Florence?
Yes, he co-designed the Palazzo della Borsa alongside Michelangelo Maiorfi between 1857 and 1860.
Achievements
- Notable work: Santa Maria del Fiore façade
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