Antonio Rizzo (architect) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Antonio Rizzo
Bust of Antonio Rizzo at the Biblioteca civica di Verona
Born	c.1430 Osteno
Died	c.1499 Cesena
Known for	Sculpture, architecture
Notable work	Scala dei Giganti (Doge's Palace, Venice)
Movement	Renaissance

Antonio Rizzo (born around 1430 in Osteno, died around 1499 in Cesena) was a famous Italian artist. He was both an architect and a sculptor. Antonio Rizzo was one of the most important artists working in Venice during the late 1400s. One of his most famous designs is the Scala dei Giganti, also known as the Staircase of the Giants. This grand staircase leads to the main rooms of the Doge's Palace in Venice.

Antonio Rizzo's Life

Antonio Rizzo was the son of Rizzo di ser Giovanni. He learned his skills at the Certosa di Pavia, a famous monastery. From 1457, he started working in Venice. He joined the workshop of another artist named Antonio Bregno.

Around 1469, Antonio Rizzo lived in a house owned by a group of nuns in Santa Zaccaria. This was after he married Maria, whose father worked for the nunnery. He also had a son named Simplicio. Simplicio later became a goldsmith in Rome.

In 1474 and 1478, Rizzo was sent to Scutari. He went there as a military engineer. This was during a war between Venice and the Ottoman Turks. The Turks were attacking the town. Rizzo's job was to make the town's defenses stronger. He was praised for always doing his duty for his country. He even got injured while working. Even though the fortress was lost, Rizzo received a monthly payment for twenty years. This payment was for him and his family.

In 1484, Rizzo was chosen to be the chief architect for the Doge's Palace. This meant he was in charge of fixing and improving the palace. His successful career ended suddenly in 1498. He faced serious accusations about misusing money. He sold his house and had to leave Venice. He went to Ancona, then to Foligno, and finally to Cesena. It is believed he died there shortly after.

Antonio Rizzo's Art and Buildings

For many years, people thought Rizzo started his career by making parts for the Certosa di Pavia. But in the 1970s, experts realized this was probably about his father.

Rizzo's most important supporter in Venice was the Doge Cristoforo Moro. A Doge was the elected leader of the Venetian Republic. Moro asked Rizzo to create altars for the San Marco basilica. After this, Rizzo became the main sculptor and architect for the Venetian government, called the Signoria. This shows that Rizzo was already very well-known when he arrived in Venice. It is thought that a Venetian noble, Gregorio Correr, helped Rizzo get this important job. Correr wanted to bring the new Renaissance art style to Venice.

Around 1464, Rizzo created sculptures for the tomb of Doge Francesco Foscari. This tomb is in the Church of Santa Maria dei Frari. His work here showed some influence from the older Gothic style.

Around 1467, Rizzo decorated the entrance of the Church of Sant'Elena. He made a sculpture of Vittore Cappello kneeling before Saint Helena. This artwork showed a very realistic style. Cappello's face looked tense and pleading.

Rizzo's statues for the Arco Foscari at the Doge's Palace started to show the new Renaissance style. He worked on these in the mid-1460s.

Rizzo's Statue of Doge Tron

In 1476, Rizzo built a spiral staircase with a decorated platform at the Scuola Grande di San Marco. Sadly, a fire in 1485 destroyed these works.

Later, Rizzo's style changed. He started making figures with clearer shapes and volumes. This was influenced by another artist, Antonello da Messina. His statues of Adam and Eve at the Arco Foscari are excellent examples. Also, the Monument to the Doge Tron is outstanding.

Rizzo's Scala dei Giganti, Doge's Palace, Venice

Rizzo's last major works are the sculptures inside the Doge's Palace. After a fire damaged the palace in 1483, he redesigned a new part of the building. He also planned a new apartment for the Doge. Most importantly, he created the Scala dei Giganti. These projects were part of his job as the chief architect of the Doge's Palace. This was a full-time job, and he complained it didn't pay enough. He worked on these projects between 1484 and 1498.

The Venetian government ordered the palace's reconstruction. They chose Rizzo as the architect. It's not fully clear why he was chosen for such a big role. He was known for his sculptures, but not for architecture before this. Perhaps his bravery as a military engineer in Scutari played a part.

Rizzo's new east wing was the first part of the Doge's Palace built entirely in the Renaissance style. His Scala dei Giganti is very impressive. It leads up to a platform. Below the platform are sculptures of Victories. These sculptures are considered some of his best work. They are known for looking like paintings, with soft edges and interesting light effects.

Some people also believe that Rizzo created the bronze statues of the Moors. These statues are on the St Mark's Clocktower in the Piazza San Marco. They were made in 1497.

See also

In Spanish: Antonio Rizzo para niños