Architecture and Memory

The Renaissance Studioli of Federico da Montefeltro

Robert Kirkbride

 

Sevenfold flowers, thistle-like artichokes and pomegranates in an intarsiated cushion at Urbino. The ceiling coffers of the Urbino studiolo contain Montefeltro imprese and emblems of Federico's personal achievements, while at Gubbio they bear rosettes. Such ornament in educational settings is linked to the traditional association between scholar and bee.

Source: Photo by author with permission of La Soprintendenza per i beni storici e artistici delle Marche

Heptagonal floral pattern on upturned