From ancient aqueducts to renaissance palaces, the masonry technique known as rustication has been used for millennia to emphasize the effects of stonework. In this video, we explore how rustication has been used across time to convey ideas about the buildings it adorns. We consider how a structure like the Palazzo della Signoria, or town hall, of Florence achieves its formidable exterior through rustication. Other structures, like the Palazzo Te, a pleasure villa in Mantua, Italy, can use rustication for very different effects, sometimes playful and fun. Rustication helps convey meaning through stone.

Speaker: Dr. Heather Graham

This video is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about:

• Architectural History

• Italian Renaissance architecture

• Palaces

• Art History

• Early modern history

CHAPTERS

0:00 The Palazzo della Signoria

0:23 Rustication: An ancient building technique

0:29 What is rustication?

1:02 Rustication at Palazzo Medici, Florence

1:48 Rustication is purposeful

2:02 Rustication at Palazzo Te, Mantua

2:39 Rustication and the many meanings of stonework

Learn more

Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history