Wooden Models and Architecture in Sicily between the 15th and 16th Centuries

Abstract

The realization of wooden models in the process of creating architectural works in Sicily has been documented since the end of the 15th century. Apart from some examples in the field of military architecture, they are mainly linked to design and construction of churches, for which a composite group of clients played a propositional role. In the Benedictine community, in particular, we noticed a modus operandi that includes the realization of wooden models. Civil architecture, however, is not excluded from this operating mode. This contribution analyses the testimonies related to such cases, evaluating the reliability of the interpretative parameters used in other studies on the topic, for the context under examination. In particular, attention has been paid to the functions attributed to wooden models in the design and construction of architectural works, the moments in which this tool was used within the aforementioned processes and the relationship with other media for the presentation of designs, and aspects related to their implementation (authors and their skills, material and costs).

Keywords

• modello ligneo
• progetto di architettura
• sicilia
• xv-xvi secolo