The Italian Renaissance and Gardens

The Italian Renaissance, famously known as the period of revitalization following the indolent middle ages, came about through a series of shifts in thought refocusing popular perception to a more outwardly oriented mindset.

The foundation of Renaissance thought rests in the emergence of humanism and natural theology. The latter focused on reason and experience and tried to harmonize knowledge between the church and the laboratory. While the former stressed returning to the classics to develop and understanding that the human experience was superior to that of the divine.

Florence Cathederal - excelent example of Italian Renaissance Architecture (sourcehttps://www.thinglink.com/scene/568923873861435394)

These new ideas translated into a myriad of new developments across all facets of life. One of the most notable changes brought about by the Italian Renaissance was the return to roman architecture. In general, the period emphasized the importance of the classics, thus making the reemergence of Roman art and architecture a default choice, being that it is inspired by Grecian art. This change in design was a major transition from the inwardly focused medieval architecture. Italian Renaissance architecture was open and occupied with beauty.

Plan of Villa d'Este gardens - the hallmark Italian Renaissance Garden (source: http://cdn.in-italia.dk/pi/56/b/56133_b.jpg)

The new developments in architecture paved the way for the emergence of the Italian Renaissance garden. The renaissance garden would go on to embody the ideas of the third nature; the idea that the garden is a combination of art and divine creation. At this time, it was believed that although nature was divine, it could be improved upon.   

The symbolic eagle rests atop the fountain (source:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/Villa_d'Este_01.jpg)

As a result of these ideas, beautiful gardens began to accompany magnificent pieces of architecture along the Italian peninsula. These gardens were known for their axial alignment and dramatic terraces. Villa d’Este embodies many of the signature attributes of a Renaissance garden featuring both of these characteristics. Furthermore, gardens such as Villa d’Este, were enhanced with sensational water features and impressive plantings. Gardens were also dotted with symbols, for example at Villa d’Este there is a prominent display of an eagle, which symbolizes both nobility and the Este coat of arms. Such gardens also showcased areas for outdoor relaxation and entertaining, for example, it was common to have outdoor dining tables featuring canals to keep food and feet cool.

The hallmark traits of the Italian Renaissance allowed for such a style of gardens to blossom out of a new age of thought, art, and architecture. Today gardens, like the ones at Villa d’Este, remain some of the most visited and most impressive sites in Italy.   

Related Link: http://www.gardenvisit.com/history_theory/library_online_ebooks/ml_gothein_history_garden_art_design/early_baroque_gardens_italy

What does the word ‘garden’ mean to you?

Crafting a personal definition of the term 'garden' is no easy feat. The word can be used to describe a broad spectrum of phenomena, everything from a patch of land to grow vegetables to acres of open space carefully sculpted for a landowner’s enjoyment.

However, in my opinion, at its core a garden is a designated space, indoor or outdoor, that has been manipulated by humans for either recreation or cultivation.

First of all, when I hear the term garden, I think of a labeled space that has boundaries. Whether its borders are the size of a sandbox or the size of San Diego, there are limits to its expanse. When I contemplate the concept of 'garden,' I envision that this location has been deemed by the greater population as a garden and that there is an agreed upon concept as to where the garden begins and ends. I find the element of borders to be essential, as while a garden could blend with the surrounding natural vegetation, what makes it a garden is that it is not nature’s work but man’s.  

An example of a vegetable garden with a boundary clearly marked by a fence. (source: http://humansarefree.com/2014/06/how-to-grow-vegetable-garden-from.html) 

Moreover, to me, the key element of a garden is that it has been premeditated by an individual. It is not a space that has been left to nature’s mercy, but rather a gardener or landscaper has developed a plan for the allocated parcel. Someone has established a vision for what they want the space to look like and through planning, they will develop their ideas into reality. In a way the gardener is an artist, the land is the canvas, and the garden is the masterpiece.

Chateau of Versailles, plan of the gardens designed by Le Notre, ca. 1680 (source: https://www.mtholyoke.edu/courses/rschwart/hist151/lectures/Lecture8_EnlightenmentNature.htm)

Lastly, in my view, a garden must have a purpose in some form. Its purpose by no means needs to be complex, controversial, or confusing. A garden could have the objective of simply providing a relaxing setting, a place to grow fruit or an area for children to play. Nevertheless, there must be some form of reasoning for why the garden exists. When designed someone, somewhere had a goal for the space and that goal was motivated by a specific desire to see the space be used for some designated activity. For this reason, I find it essential that a garden has an underlying purpose.

A garden used to showcase topiaries in Newport, RI (source: http://thephotogardenbee.com/2010/01/26/2933/)

To recapitulate, I view a garden as a selected space that has been crafted by humanity to serve a function in our lives. In my opinion, if these criteria are not meet than I do not see the subjected area in contemplation as a garden, rather has another form of nature. 

Related link: http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20150113/COLUMN10/150119919