P alladio, A ndrea (1508–1580)

Abstract The noted Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, who greatly influenced Western ecclesiastical and secular architecture, giving rise to what became known as the Palladian style or Palladianism, was born in Padua in 1508 and died in Vicenza in 1580. Palladio began as a stonemason before studying classical literature and architecture under his mentor Trissino, a leading Renaissance scholar. It was from Trissino that he received his new name Palladio — from Pallas, a name for the Greek goddess Athene. Trissino also introduced Palladio to the great architectural history of Rome in 1541. Palladio was subsequently in Rome in 1547, when he met Michelangelo, and again in 1549.