Filarete's “Sforzinda”. Ideal City and World Recreation

Abstract

The "Libro architettonico", which Filarete wrote ca. 1460, has previously always been treated in the history of art as if it were merely a tractate on architecture. But in addition to the thread in the text that pursues the rationality and functionality of architecture, there is a second thread that is symbolic and magical in nature, full of micro–macrocosmic, astrological, and alchemical references. In these passages, the Renaissance architect characterizes himself as "alter deus", who sees his work as a new creation or restoration of the originally good Creation, which has in the meantime become corrupted.