Leon Battista Alberti

De re aedificatoria is Alberti's seminal treatise on architecture, written in Latin and modeled on Vitruvius's ancient Roman text De architectura. It was the first architectural treatise of the Italian Renaissance and was published posthumously in 1485, profoundly influencing generations of architects.

Alberti's notable architectural works include the façade of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Palazzo Rucellai in Florence, the Church of Sant'Andrea in Mantua, and the Tempio Malatestiano in Rimini. His designs revived classical Roman principles of symmetry, proportion, and the use of columns and arches.

Alberti established the theoretical foundation for Renaissance architecture by reviving classical Roman principles of proportion, symmetry, and the use of the classical orders. His influence extended through both his built works and his writings, which became standard references for architects across Europe for centuries.

Alberti's famous façade for Santa Maria Novella is located in Florence, Italy, and remains one of the city's most important Renaissance landmarks. Completed around 1470, it is celebrated for its harmonious proportions and innovative use of geometric patterns including prominent green and white marble inlay.