Alberti's theory of architecture was based upon dimensions
consistent with harmony and the proportions found in god's
greatest creation: man. However, Alberti's views concerning
architecture had opponents. Based upon the views of Longinus
in his book, Peri Hypsous ("On the Sublime"), allowed the unity
or combination of opposing "styles", such as the architectural
styles of the Renaissance, the Baroque, the Gothic, unities
of "male" with "female", etc. Thus different parts of a building
might strongly clash or appear discordant. Furthermore, while
Renaissance architecture emphasized linear perspective, orthogonal
views are found in architectural design, and light and shadows
found at different times of the day are emphasized.
.
The rhetorical trope of contrasting or comparing past
(metaphore)1
with present was used in architecture. As an example, a
Classical (pagan) temple in a rustic setting, in disrepair,
vs a modern Christian temple, in a beautiful setting, the
Christian temple in the highest order and repair: thus
comparing the pagan false religion with Christian truth.
2
This can be synthesized in a single building (rather than
two buildings) as well (neo-classical portico, supporting
a medieval tower. 3
Other ideologies also were used, as in "ancient" chivalry
vs modern attitudes.
4
1
Corbett, Edward P. J. and Connors, Robert J.; "Classical
Rhetoric for the Modern Student", Fourth Edition,
Oxford Univ. Press., 1999
2
Peacock, John; "The Stage Designs of Inigo Jones: The European
Context", Cambridge Univ. Press, 1995, p. 65, plate 16.
3
Ibid., p. 72, plate 20.
4
Ibid., p. 287, plate 169 and plate 170.
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