Brunelleschi's Dome, a photo from Florence, Tuscany

Photographer's Note

"Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture" is the title of a book by the best selling author Ross King. Released in 2000, the book topped the New York Times Best Seller list for countless weeks. He is one of my favorite modern authors, and one whom I would recommend to everyone.

Florence is pure magic, the birth place of the Italian Renaissance, home to the likes of Danté, Giotto, Ghiberti, Brunelleschi, Botticelli... and the titans of the Italian Renaissance, Leonardo and Michelangelo. For anyone who likes great art, this city has no equal. At the far left in the photo just barely visible is a corner of the Baptistry, with its famous "Doors of Paradise," created by Ghiberti. The intricately carved rectangular structure is the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, or simply "the Duomo," built during a 140-year period (1296-1436) to the design of Arnolfo di Cambio. Its bell tower, the Campanile, seen on the right was designed by the most prominent Early Renaissance genius, Giotto. Hence, it is simply known as "Giotto's Tower." But the most impressive component of the Duomo is the double-shell dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. Its shape is evocative of the pointed (narrow) end of an egg. Brunelleschi designed special hoists to raise tens of thousands of bricks, in assembling the dome from the outside. The cylindrical lantern crowning the dome is not just for looks, but it is crucial, serving as a keystone to give the dome structural strength, to keep it from caving in. The scale can be appreciated from the tourists seen milling around the lantern. Brunelleschi is famous for another monumental achievement. He is the first artist to formulate the theory of linear perspective.

Finally, Leonardo, as a 19-year old assistant to the sculptor André del Verrocchio, using hoists similar to those invented by Brunelleschi, supervised the placing of a 2.4 m diameter gilt copper ball on top of the lantern. It was this experience, as much as any other, that awakened in him a life-long passion for gadgetry and engineering.

I recommend the following site to enjoy a 360° view from the top of the dome.

I would like to dedicate this photo to Ross King whom I am proud to claim as a friend.

This image will be placed in a new group theme, DOMES. I Welcome others to contribute.

Kofman, Suppiluliuma, bukitgolfb301, ikeharel, mayjayne, Kielia, zoomer, Sonata11, nobuikehonda, MLINES, Longroute, Charo, jhm, vasilpro, papagolf21, macondo, delpeoples, Ricx, baddori, patdeph, limielski, Vasa, ChrisJ, paololg, agulberk, Graal, osmansah, macjake, Angshu, axiotea, Jakab, chanteuse has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Suppiluliuma (3843) 2011-09-14 1:49

Dear Bülent Bey,

I'm always fascinated by the story of big monuments, be it the Duomo of Florence, the St Sophia of Istanbul or the Brooklyn Bridge of New York. This narrative of yours is as interesting as always.

I had the chance to read the story of Duomo before posting a picture on Fotokritik a few years ago. That's an uncommon thing for people like myself -who are accustomed to see any big monuments around to be built in a few years only (St Sophia or Suleymaniye in 4-5 years)- to read European monuments to be built in the course of many centuries. That's not an exception here.

Yours angle is nice, depicting the "modern" marble exterior of the facade.

TFS.

Sevgilerimle,

Erdem

bukitgolfb301 (30087) 2011-09-14 2:05

Hi my dear Bulent

Another great and significant architecture shot!
This is so impressive and vivid image!
Great cropping and zoom in the attractive points.
Thanks for sharing with your finest work and have a good day, Best regrads.

Takero from Tokyo setting in early fall

JFS (32179) 2011-09-14 2:57

Hi Bulent,
What an impressive shot! I like your crop very much, so many details can be seen! Excellent presentation of this marvel. The blue vivid sky makes your photo even more imposing.

Enjoy the day!

Regards,
Juan

mayjayne (2792) 2011-09-14 3:32

Dear Bulent,

As usual, a very informative note attached to your shot of this magnificent architecture - good sharpness and details.

TFS,
May

Kielia (20467) 2011-09-14 4:57

Dear Bulent,
these magnificent buildings are very rewarding subjects for the photographer and you have captured the beauty of the architecture excellently. This photo is also great art work. Everything is perfect! It is especially this fantastic perspective that makes the image successful. My compliments - I also enjoyed reading the interesting note.
Warm regards
Harriet

Sergiom (39298) 2011-09-14 5:28

Bonjour Bulent,

Un excellent cadrage à partir d'un point de vue impayable. Le plan serré donne de très beaux résultats lumineux et colorés.

Amicalement

Serge

Bluejeans (64239) 2011-09-14 5:33

Ola Bulent ,
Sem duvida que Florença é uma bela cidade cheia de detalhes de arquitectura , bom plano de visão com estes edifícios , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

prasun984 (5590) 2011-09-14 7:44

Hi Bulent...
very nice architectural shot under the deep blue sky...with a nice chosen POV...like the textures of the white wall...nice light & shade effect...

good exposure controlled with a nice light management...good color contrast & sharpness also...
nice shot with a good informative Note...

Prasun

ikeharel (37378) 2011-09-14 10:07

Hello Bulent,
There is no way to take this fabulous Cattedeale in one close-up photo.
The magnificent archi. details collected well.
You manged parts of the dome, campanile and facade in one comulative shot.
Marvelous,
Ike

*** Funny thing happened: I re-entered to edit my critique - and lost the smiley, sorry.

mesutilgim (68014) 2011-09-14 11:47

Selam sevgili Bülent,
Wonderfull capture from Florence; with perfect pov and perfect ligth management.
As allways, many usefull notes.
Learning does not have any end !
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

PS.Many thanks for your corrections ! Don't worry, just come to İstanbul !! Many friends are expecting you with wide open arms.

ghost_man (990) 2011-09-14 12:32

Merhaba Bülent Bey,

Renkleri ve netliği ile harika bir kompozisyon. Ellerinize sağlık. Tebrikler.

emka (58194) 2011-09-14 14:33

Hi Bulent, it is so difficult to make photos of the facade, Campanile and Brunelleschi Dome (my friend thought it was Polish name :)) , you found a great POV. Fantastic view. Haha, I see the people on the dome. When I was last time in Florence, there were so many people that I didn't go inside and went to Fiesole instead. Stunning sharpness.
In my iPad I have an ebook A Wanderer in Florence, by E. Lucas, something like a guidebook from 1912. I can read it and look at my photos - interesting virtual trip a bit back in time.
Warm regards

Malgo

zoomer (3584) 2011-09-14 16:54

Details are splendid here and the viewer has to be in awe of this matchless architecture.Superb presentation,all the best Wolf.

Sonata11 (28375) 2011-09-14 17:23

Hello Bulent,
what a impressive architecture. This is a very beautiful picture with an excellent composition and wonderful framework as well. Splendid colors, sharpness,, super clarity of so many details. An amazing city. I love to be over there one more time. Fantastic work. Perfectly well done. Thanks for sharing and informative note.
All the best,
Barbara

nobuikehonda (3846) 2011-09-14 20:24

Hello Professor Atalay,

I like the view. Your fascination with the dome is very evident in your image. The tight cropping shows very effectively all the stunningly beautiful details. The dome is so large that it is probably impossible to capture the edifice in one frame. I was there longtime ago. The essence of the majestic structure is well seen and very well presented. It is almost as good as being there. Thank you professor for this very personal view.

With my very best wishes,
Have a great week, Professor
Nobu.

P.S: I thank you for the invitation, and for a very rare opportunity. I thank you again.

MLINES (12516) 2011-09-14 20:55

Hi Bulent, Good aspect showing the grandeur of this large dome.I saw a documentary on the design and building of this masterpiece recently,and Florence is a favorite city so ood to see this fine sharp image. TFS. Murray

resat1972 (5960) 2011-09-14 22:52

Merhaba Bülent Bey
güzel bir kesit yakalamışsınız
Tebrikler
Reşat

lestans (16770) 2011-09-14 23:45

Hi Bulent!
this is terrific view!! You had been able to put all the monuments together in a beautiful composition. Nice light, very sharp, perfect work.
Compliments!!

Livia

Longroute (19390) 2011-09-15 2:03

Knowing well this place I know it's not easy to frame this remarkable dome and façade. I think you managed to create a pleasant and well balanced composition where the main elements (façade, bell tower and cupola) are shown and highlighted.
The deep blue sky enhances the contrast and makes the image so pleasant to see. Last time I was there I still used a film camera and I remember well the squeezed buildings, the deep shadows and the huge crowds of tourists which prevented me from taking a decent photo! (:-)
Thanks for your very interesting note (as usual),
Donato

Charo (51174) 2011-09-15 16:12

Hello Bulent,
A beautiful set in a frame Savannah, on the facade, the campanile and the dome that day and night, is always crowded.
The building's beauty is undeniable, but otherwise the interior of the dome, there are other churches in Florence, whose interior is much nicer than Santa Maria. To me the one I like is the Santa Croce.
Excellent colors and details.
Best Regards
Charo

jhm (122474) 2011-09-16 3:36

Dear Bülent,

You took this image with good consideration, we get facade on an excellent way with all details, also the dome and tower in background care for depth and perspective.
Florence one wonderful art city
Composition and presentation are splendid.
Very well done, TFS.

Best regards,
John.

vasilpro (40194) 2011-09-16 23:06

Hello Bulent,
Wonderful composition, excellent POV, interesting architectural details, lovely light and colors, very good clarity and contrast, TFS!
Have a nice weekend, Vasilis.

papagolf21 (76603) 2011-09-17 3:14

Bonjour, cher ami Bulent,
Temps révolu où l'architecture prenait une place importante dans la société. Les sculpteurs, et tous les artisans mettaient un point d'honneur à réaliser des chefs-d'oeuvre.
Le cadrage nous permet d'apprécier avec bonheur ces réalisations de nos aïeux.
Amitiés.
Philippe

DjoleEric (0) 2011-09-17 5:31

Hello.
Very interesting and beautiful.
Beautiful photos of what I'm looking.
Bravo.
Have a nice day.
Djole.

lakshmip1949 (19110) 2011-09-17 6:49

Hello Bulent,

The three in one . The dome, the tower and the facade have been captured very well with all the architectural details. The blue sky definitely enhances the beauty of the image. Nice view with superb colors and sharpness.

Lakshmi

limielski (1370) 2011-09-17 7:34

Hi Bulent!

An excellent shot of very interesting architecture. Super composition - very good crop and zoom. The geometry of your image is excellent, too!

Best regards, Leszek

PS. I'm looking for your book in polish.

macondo (17949) 2011-09-18 3:19

Hello Bulent.
I hadn't ever actually read anything about the famous dome, so your note is appreciated. You've made me curious about the author and the book, which I'll look out for. The photo itself is inventive and thoughtful in conception - I don't recall seeing a shot of the dome from this angle, peeking out from between the bell tower and the Basilica. Excellent exposure controls very well the highlights in the bright conditions, and provides great detail and clarity.
Regards,
Andrew

delpeoples (45006) 2011-09-19 3:07

Ciao caro Bulent

What a beautiful close crop of this magnificent architecture. The deep blue of the sky contrasts so exquisitely against the red tones of the dome. The details are so impressive, no matter how many times I see this cathedral, there is always something new to discover.

Thanks for sharing, have a beautiful day
Lisa

Ricx (13441) 2011-09-19 14:05

Hello Bulent my friend. I am not sure if you are back in the safety of your own home or still enjoying the excitement of travel.. This is a most amazing cropped image .. the wonderful detail in the buildings and creations. and of course your always interesting notes .. Have a good day or eve. Where ever you may be. Rich

TopGeo (37994) 2011-09-20 5:47

Hello Bulent! A note extensive, combined with an image of the beautiful architectural work of famous Florence! we give a beautiful spot making! offers little of the charm of detail with dominant beautiful facades and the Brunelleschi dome! Good idea!Best Regards
Georgios

baddori (18988) 2011-09-20 22:33

Bulent
Punto di scatto privilegiato fotograficamente ed una resa di particolari.
La lente ed il fuoco ha unito questi particolari in una unica icona, quale è.
I colori le raffinatezze proprie da sempre di firenze sono esaltate .
Un lavoro che pesa.
GF

mauro61 (52527) 2011-09-21 0:15

ciao Bulent,
POV stretto perfetto per racchiudere ed unire i tre elementi architettonici della scena.
Ottima la resa cromatica,
saluti
maurizio

patdeph (35738) 2011-09-21 0:50

hello Bulent
this is a splendid picture, I love the tight framing emphasizing the fine architecture and each of the small details.It was a chance to have a so blue sky on which they can superbly stand out.Magnificent!
Regards
Pascale

marcan44 (6223) 2011-09-21 6:19

My dear friend,
a POV very well designed to hold together these three masterpieces by Brunelleschi in Florence:
dome, facade and bell tower.
Optimal light, excellent sharpness.
Compliments
Mario

jemaflor (69011) 2011-09-21 11:05

Hi Bulent,
Good idea for this original composition with the dome well placed in your view, So beautiful architecture, nice colors and light, tfs.

danyy (0) 2011-09-21 12:47

Bonjour Bulent,
dommage que le cadrage commence aussi haut, mais les détails des toitures rattrapent ce qu'on ne voit pas plus bas. Jeux de couleurs pures et naturelles, une mise au point qui offre une foule de détails au niveau des textures et sculptures.
My kind regards.
Daniel.

Urs (11850) 2011-09-24 19:00

Hi Bulent

Clever POV showing just the amazing Italian Renaissance architecture, set in contrast with the deep blue sky. Excellent note as well. High sharpness, countless interesting details and bold framing. Well done.

Warm regards
Urs

Vasa (15970) 2011-09-25 15:44

It is with the brilliant graphic signature, dear Bulent. And your effort to find original position for most original composition. From well known motif. I agree with Planet and stress that it is a big pleasure to meet you everywhere. Best continuation, friend.

Branko

paololg (31442) 2011-09-26 12:37

Ciao dear Bulent,
also this time you have given us a valuable lesson about the architecture of the Italian Renaissance and its protagonists, documented by an interesting and beautiful image. Very interesting your citation about the linear perspective, again today considered a fundamental theory of the photograph.
Thank you, dear friend, is always a pleasure and an honor to enjoy your works!
Ciao, have a very nice week!
Paolo

Fis2 (73124) 2011-09-26 12:48

Witaj Bulent!
Interesting fragment.
Beautiful architecture.
I like POV and composition.
Best regards
Krzysztof

agulberk (3792) 2011-09-26 19:17

Merhaba Bülent Hocam.
Fotoğralarınızdaki mükemmel bakış açısı ,fotoğraf kalitesi yanında , tanıtıcı ve detaylı bilgilendirici notlarınızla hem keyf alıyor hem de Türkiye dışında görme imkanı bulamadğımız yerleri sayenizde tanıyor ,öğreniyor ve çok değerli bilgiler alıyoruz. Her fotoğrafınız bir ders niteliğinde.
Çok teşekkürler.
Selam,saygı ve sevgilerimle
Adnan

Graal (88950) 2011-09-26 23:23

Hi Bulent,
beautiful details of architecture. Good presentation from Florence. Well note and photowork. I like it.
Have a nice day.
Aleksander

ChrisJ (86902) 2011-09-27 1:24

Hi Bulent

Good use of the 2 fg buildings to frame the bg dome & spire. Excellent framing & composition with good sharpness, color & saturation. I like the graphic qualities here too. Tfs!

tober (8748) 2011-09-27 21:29

Birçok ilginç ve zarif mimarî ayrıntıyı tek bir kareye sığdırmak ustalık gerektirir. Siz de bu ustalığı çok güzel sergilemişsiniz Hocam. Şiir gibi bir şehirden dantel gibi bir kompozisyon. Elinize sağlık, saygılar. Tolga

osmansah (270) 2011-09-29 7:26

Merhaba Bülent Bey,

güzel bir mimari fotograf olmuş.renkler,kontrast,kompozisyon harika.tebrikler

serp2000 (29242) 2011-09-29 23:43

Hello, Bulent,
Very nice architecture. Good crop, outstanding details. Excellent presentation of Florence.
Warm regards,
Serghei

siudzi (23939) 2011-10-01 4:46

Hi Bulent,

Florence is one of the amazing European cities in my opinion. Love the Duomo with all wonderful architecture, details and decorations. Your shot presents that all really great. Thanks for sharing!

Have a great weekend!
Malgorzata

macjake (39235) 2011-10-01 9:56

Hi Bulent
I chose this photo for the richness and variety of architecture.
The dome peeking out in behind is like the younger child looking for attention peering over your shoulder into the camera lens.
I'm always impressed with the European architecture. Enjoy your weekend
craig

pablominto (53744) 2011-10-02 23:45

Hello Bulent,

The tight framing draws my attention to the dome, and the fine architecture only works a framing!
Impressive to see how much money and effort they put into building houses of worship back then, I guess it tells the story of the wealth and power of the church...
A well balanced presentation, rich colours!

Greetings,
Pablo -

claudeD (24173) 2011-10-07 9:44

Hello Bulent,

very fine architecture shot showing so much details under a perfect sharpness.Thank you very much for your detailed note.Excellent contribution to TE.TFS.

With regards from Luxembourg

JC

eldancer1 (17088) 2011-10-10 9:24

It's a small representation but I can imagine the massiveness of the dome. Beautiful and intricate motif on those building, nicely captured with good details. Wonderful colors. And, thank you for the valuable information. Well done, tfs.

Silvio1953 (98217) 2011-10-11 12:04

Ciao Bulent, unusual POV on fantastic architecture, excellent clòarity, beautiful sky, splendid light and colors, very well done my friend, ciao Silvio

Angshu (51174) 2011-10-12 22:59

Hello Dear Professor 'A'
Nice picture of the famous landmark from Florence. A picture whose frame is 'packed' with details, the partial view of the bell tower on the right & the famous dome in the centre. Yes, Florence was the highlight of my small Italian trip 16 years ago (seems like yesterday)
With Warmest Regards
Angshuman

ashres (1453) 2011-10-13 10:16

Hi Bulent
a wonderful capture with nice chosen pov. The tension of lines are well managed here with great lightening and mild tones. great capture,
have a great time,
ashish

axiotea (21647) 2011-11-03 1:43

Buongiorno Bulent
Florence is, indeed, a beautiful city of Art, which I would like to visit a day...
You had favourable light and blue sky, allowing to see the architectural details, from a close approach. The tight framing is working well and sharpness is appreciable.
Interesting 360° view! I've got a blank page, when clicking on the link "Domes"?
Best regards
Marilyn

Jakab (3861) 2011-11-16 14:57

Hello Bülent!
Every kind of representation has its limits. Either the whole complex with its perfect proportions and majestic shape or selected parts with their rich ornaments. You chose an individual, intuitive approach which is certainly not optimal for documentation but I feel it somehow more adequate to the spirit of the Rinascimento.
Congratulations
Laszlo

jadesgran (3285) 2011-12-26 12:38

Hi Bulent
A superb view of the cathedral, which stands out against the rich blue sky.Fantastic architecture - very intricate carvings.
Interesting crop
Best Wishes Gladys.
P.S. Glad you liked my picture of The Meet.

chanteuse (202) 2012-03-07 4:44

I would give anything to know where you were standing! Brilliant! Color and focus also are amazing. These buildings are overwhelmingly large and it is so difficult to find a POV that will do them justice. You have!
I'm reading Ross King's book on Michelangelo and am looking forward to his Brunelleschi book next.