Andrea Palladio Resolution Passes Congress!
After several years, the resolution honoring Italian-born architect Andrea Palladio was passed by the U.S. Congress with the support of more than 50 Members of Congress, more than 25 organizations and Giulio Terzi, Ambassador of Italy to the United States. The House passed House Concurrent Resolution 259 on November 17, 2010, and the Senate passed it on December 6, 2010. The resolution (from 2008), "(1) recognizes the 500th anniversary of Andrea Palladio's birth year; (2) recognizes his tremendous influence on architecture in the United States; and (3) expresses its gratitude for the enhancement his life and career has bestowed upon the Nation's built environment."
Among the recognitions are "Palladio's designs for public works, churches, mansions, and villas that rank among the most outstanding architectural achievements of the Italian Renaissance; Palladio's surviving buildings are collectively included in the UNESCO World Heritage List; Palladio's treatise, 'The Four Books of Architecture', has served as a primary source for classical design for many architects and builders in the United States from colonial times to the present; our Nation's most iconic buildings, including the United States Capitol Building and the White House, reflect the influence of Palladio's architecture through the Anglo-Palladian movement, which flourished in the 18th century; and the American Renaissance marked the high point of the
classical tradition and enriched the United States from coast to coast with Palladio's countless architectural works of timeless dignity and beauty."
Read more about Andrea Palladio from Wikipedia (exit WisItalia).
Go to Library of Congress Website THOMAS http://thomas.loc.gov (exit WisItalia) to read the text of H. Con. Res. 259 -- key search word "Palladio," or select the link H. Con. Res. 259 (pdf).
Read the summary and acknowledgements by Joseph N. Grano (html), Chair, The Constantino Brumidi Society, Washington, D.C. Mr. Grano lists the names of leading organizations who participated in this effort and the co-sponsors of this bill. He also requests that Italian Festivals that take place in the United States in 2011, recognize the achievements of both Palladio and Galileo with an exhibit on each man's contribution to Western Civilization and also display a ceremonial copy of each resolution for all to see.
NEW! Palladio Event at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. January 27 - Februay 27, 2011. The opening night was very interesting with a trio of speakers from very different backgrounds. The gallery consisted of 30 photos of his Italian Renaissance Villas, highlighting the creativity of the Italian architect and his neo-classical views. View the promotional flyer (pdf) for details.
