By Anne Leader and Alexis Culotta
Architect Antonio da Sangallo the Younger was born 12 April 1484 in Florence. He would evolve to become a dominant figure in sixteenth-century Roman architecture.
Named Antonio di Antonio Cordiani at birth, Antonio the Younger was the nephew of architects Giuliano da Sangallo (d. 1516) and Antonio da Sangallo the Elder (d. 1534), whose work in Rome encouraged the younger Antonio to move to the city. After his arrival in Rome, Antonio the Younger began an apprenticeship within the studio of Donato Bramante, and almost immediately he was recognized for his skill as a draftsman.
In 1507, Antonio the Younger was tasked with the design of the confraternity church of Santa Maria di Loreto, the first major commission given to the young architect. In response, Antonio created a striking octagonal plan that reflected his novel approach to design. This ingenuity, though initially controversial, would nevertheless result in numerous prestigious projects over the subsequent years. He was, for example, the personal architect to Cardinal Alessandro Farnese (later Pope Paul III, r. 1536-50), for whom he designed the Palazzo Farnese in Rome. He also was active at the site of New St. Peter’s, serving as lead architect from 1520 until his death in August of 1546. It is in this church that Antonio the Younger was buried.
Reference: Caroline Elam, et al. “Sangallo, da.” Grove Art Online. Oxford Art Online. Oxford University Press.
Palazzo Farnese, Rome.
Design for New St. Peter’s, Rome.