Andrea Palladio
Andrea Palladio, (1508-80). Italian architect. Influenced by written descriptions of ancient Roman architecture, Palladio emphasized classical proportion and balance in his buildings. He designed many villas and palaces in his native Vicenza as well as several important churches in Venice. In 1570 he published Four Books on Architecture, a summary of his ideas and techniques. His writings later became the basis for the Palladian style of architecture throughout Europe.