Das Stuttgarter 'Libro dell`Architettura' römischer Antiken und Palazzi. Ein neu entdeckter Architekturtraktat des 16. Jahrhunderts von Giovanni Antonio Dosio

Abstract

This paper discovers an unknown volume of architectural drawings of Roman antiques and modern renaissance palaces held by the Württemberg State Library in Stuttgart. This so-called Libro dell`Architettura appears to be the work of the Italian architect, sculptor and antiquary Giovanni Antonio Dosio (ca. 1533–1610). Interestingly enough, these drawings establish a new understanding of several other collections of late 16th century architectural drawings, the famous Goldschmidt and Scholz Scrapbooks in New York, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and the Royal Library in Windsor to which they appear to be related to. The main focus will concentrate on characterizing this outstanding volume with its more than 70 wash drawings which are supplemented by short descriptions about the object’s location, material and style. Finally, I will discuss the designing processes and the copying practices, as well as the distribution of architectural drawings in the renaissance, regarding the fact that the Libro dell`Architettura was part of the Innsbruck library of archduke Maximilian III.