Architectural Drawings in Apulia and Basilicata (16th-18th centuries)

Abstract

Architectural drawings are documents, evidence of a specific moment in the history of a monument, providing information about the architects and clients. They are material evidence both of the representation of what exists and of the definition of the author’s design. Interest in architectural drawings runs deep and has developed in recent decades thanks to specific studies, exhibitions and catalogues. In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in Southern Italy in modern drawings. The graphic collection shows a varied panorama that reflects the peculiarities of a complex and diverse territory and, for these reasons, testifies the identifying characteristics of different territorial areas. On this occasion, some illustrative examples from Basilicata and Salento were considered, regarded as models of a heritage that still appears discontinuous and uneven. The research starts from the identification of drawings as records of pre-existing structures, transformations of buildings and new designs, but also architectural and furnishing details that may be part of contracts, in which the drawing (where still extant) is often a fundamental part of the notarial document. Documents and drawings show the scope and timing of the project but, at the same time, reveal the specific characteristics of the client’s requests and the author of the drawing: their training, the geographical area and relationship with the client.