illustri

The distinction between the top and bottom registers of the uomini illustri is akin to the wall between the tempietti. back

Architecture and Memory: The Renaissance Studioli of Federico da Montefeltro 2008

The portraits of the uomini illustri above, Cheles has noted, appear to correspond to this dialectical arrangement.

Architecture and Memory: The Renaissance Studioli of Federico da Montefeltro 2008

Federico's guests, even if they could not discern the names and encomia (prominently) inscribed on the portraits, would have recognized most of the uomini illustri through quattrocento artistic conventions used for each subject's clothing, accessories, and gestures.

Architecture and Memory: The Renaissance Studioli of Federico da Montefeltro 2008

Elsewhere in the same wall, emblazoned on books, are the names of Virgil, Homer, Cicero (TVLIO), Seneca, and Duns Scotus, whose portraits are included among the uomini illustri.

Architecture and Memory: The Renaissance Studioli of Federico da Montefeltro 2008

At Urbino, portraits of 28 uomini illustri (illustrious men) represent Federico's intellectual and spiritual autobiography,2 whereas at Gubbio an allegorical ensemble dedicated to the liberal arts underscores an educational program.

Architecture and Memory: The Renaissance Studioli of Federico da Montefeltro 2008

The Virgilian paraphrase "virtutibus itur ad astra" suggests that one might enter the pantheon of communal memory by virtuous deeds, joining the elect members of uomini illustri depicted above the intarsia. 312 It is likely that the astral significance of this paraphrase was also taken more literally.

Architecture and Memory: The Renaissance Studioli of Federico da Montefeltro 2008

Cheles has treated the organization and breakdown of the uomini illustri extensively (35 – 52).

Architecture and Memory: The Renaissance Studioli of Federico da Montefeltro 2008

His judgments, which were usually "dispatched on the same day," were said not to have been "bettered if they had come before Bartolo of Sassoferato," the famed lawyer included among the uomini illustri. 105

Architecture and Memory: The Renaissance Studioli of Federico da Montefeltro 2008

If the issue could not be promptly resolved, Federico would withdraw with his reader to the studiolo, where, surrounded by the countenances of the uomini illustri and with recourse to their writings, Federico would give the matter due consideration.

Architecture and Memory: The Renaissance Studioli of Federico da Montefeltro 2008

This point does not dissuade Raggio (Gubbio Studiolo, 1: 166), who cites the "indifferent" lighting conditions found in the East and West walls of the uomini illustri in the Urbino studiolo to explain the inconsistencies (for the debate regarding the portraits at Urbino, see chapter 6n70).

Architecture and Memory: The Renaissance Studioli of Federico da Montefeltro 2008