Modelli lignei e architettura in Sicilia tra XV e XVI secolo

The realization of wooden models in the process of creating architectural works in Sicily is documented since the end of the fifteenth century. Besides some examples in the field of military architecture, they are mainly linked to design and construction of churches, for those a composite group of clients plays a propositional role. In the Benedictine community, in particular, we noticed a modus operandi that includes the realization of wooden models. From this operating mode, however, civil architecture is not excluded.This contribution analyzes the testimonies related to such cases, evaluating the reliability, for the context under examination, of the interpretative parameters used in other studies on the topic. In particular, attention has been payed on the functions attributed to the wooden model in the design and construction of architectural works, the moments in which such a tool has been used within the aforementioned processes and the relationship with other media for the presentation of designs, the aspects related to their implementation (authors and their skills, material and costs).