Neoclassicism in architecture: famous buildings and architects

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

The return to the ancient canons in art has happened more than once. The buildings, sculptures, and paintings of the classical period were too beautiful and harmonious. A rather long period in the history of art is called neoclassicism for the revival of the ancient canons of beauty and their transformation under the influence of the modern worldview. Neoclassicism in architecture was realized in different ways in different countries of Europe. Russian architects showed particular interest in interpreting classical principles.

Style Features

The main task of neoclassicism in architecture was a return to the origins of European culture. The beginning of archaeological excavations in Greece and Italy in the 17th century aroused a keen interest of architects in the principles of ancient architects. This led to the emergence of a style called classicism, which develops and gradually transforms into neoclassicism. Its main feature is the combination of restrained traditions with romantic ones. Before these two styles competed with each other, but,finally find a lot of common ground.

Non-classical buildings are more light, graceful and straightforward compared to the classics. Also signs of neoclassicism is a special attention to the observance of proportions, the desire for monumentality, even pomposity. Architects not only copy the ancient order system, but also strive to introduce new notes. For example, Egyptian or Etruscan. The style is characterized by restraint and even rigor. Spectacular, large-scale buildings with Greek elements - that's the difference between buildings in the neoclassical style.

Periodization of neoclassicism in architecture

The term "neoclassicism" in architecture has some inconsistencies. First of all, this is due to the European and Russian approach to the allocation of its periods. In Europe, it is customary to separate classicism (XVII century) and neoclassicism (the second half of the XVIII, the style of Louis 16 - the first third of the XIX). In our country, things are somewhat different. For example, in Russia and Germany, this time is just considered classicism. And the new classics refers to the architecture of the late XIX - early XX century. In Russia, where neoclassicism turned out to be extremely popular and fruitful, it is customary to single out three of its periods.

The first, the turn of the XIX - early XX century, arose as a response to the crisis of modernism. With its conciseness, it was opposed to the excessive decorativeness of Art Nouveau. At this time, the direction of retrospectivism arose, seeking to revive the classical proportions and layout. The second period is the 1930s of the XX century. It is also called in RussiaStalinist empire. He combined the features of Baroque, Classicism, Art Nouveau and elements of national architectural schools. The third is the 1950s. It is predominantly characteristic of American architecture, where simple and monumental forms have found their new incarnation.

Neoclassicism in world architecture

Classicism was a powerful artistic style. He embraced all kinds of art. Its development led to the emergence of neoclassicism, which was no longer based on pure imitation of ancient models, but on their rethinking. The style reproduced the ancient canons, combining them with modern finds and some national achievements. The principles were laid back in the 17th century by Andrea Palladio, who built many buildings in Vicenza. These structures have become a model for future generations of architects. He aroused interest in the techniques of ancient architects and it did not subside for several centuries.

The first "neoclassical" buildings with symmetrical forms, rows of columns, domed roofs and rectangular facades appeared in France. Later, the trend is picked up by architects from other European countries. And gradually it "rolls" to America. Neoclassicism is not even quite a style. Rather, it is a certain direction in the development of the thought of the architects of the past. Careful handling of established traditions and the construction of modern buildings on their basis with new constructive and decorating ideas - these are the principles of the neoclassicists.

Neoclassicism in France

The first masterpieces of neoclassical architecture werecreated by Claude Ledoux, who began his work before the French Revolution. His s altworks in Arc-et-Senans, the customs buildings at the entrance to Paris, the theater in Besancon revived Greek traditions and marked the beginning of a brilliant neoclassical era in French architecture. The most famous representative of this style is Jacques Ange Gabriel. In the mid-50s of the XVIII century, he created the majestic building of the Military School on the Champ de Mars, the magnificent Opera Garnier, the Petit Trianon in Versailles, and the project for Concorde Square in Paris. His work heralded the rise of neoclassicism in France.

Following him, many talented architects began to build in this style. These are Nicolas de Mezieres, who created the grain market, Jacques-Denis Antoine and his large-scale mint on the banks of the Seine, Charles de Vailly and the magnificent Odeon Theater. Neoclassicism is the decoration of Paris so far. Buildings with harmonious proportions, domes, triangular porticoes and columns have become his pride today.

Neoclassicism in the UK

In the 60s of the XVIII century, neoclassicism in architecture became the most relevant style in England. Its founders were two great architects: Robert Adam and William Chambers. They, unlike their French counterparts, built mainly residential buildings. Adam visited Italy, where he fell in love with the ancient buildings and buildings of A. Palladio forever.

English neoclassicism differed from French in great elegance and lightness. Here, great attention was paid to the interiors, the most famous of which is the decor of the Sion House.with Etruscan motifs. The successors of the traditions of British neoclassicism are John Soane and George Dance. They talentedly continue the “style of Adam”. The Bank of England Building and Newgate Prison were superb examples of elegant English neoclassical style.

Spread of Neoclassicism in Europe

Talented representatives of neoclassicism were all over Europe. So, in Germany, the best creations in this style are created by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. Strict and concise creations represent a special era in neoclassicism. His buildings of the Old Museum and the New Guardhouse in Berlin are a creative reworking of classic techniques and plans.

In Italy, neoclassicism has reached incredible proportions. A. Palladio with his luxurious buildings in Venice and Vicenza, Giuseppe Piermarini and his La Scala theater are the pearls of world architecture. Later, Marcello Piacentini managed to interpret in his own way the rich heritage of ancient architecture and the Palladian style in the first quarter of the 20th century. He created a unique campus complex in Rome and Piazza Victoria in Brescia.

Russian neoclassicism: main features

The neoclassical style in Russian architecture has acquired a special role. The first stage was associated with overcoming the crisis of modernity, returning to the classical origins, the search for simplicity. Ivan Fomin, Vladimir Schuko, Ivan Zholtovsky are studying the classical, golden proportions. They explore the masterpieces of architecture in Italy and France, realize the finds intheir buildings. The second stage of neoclassicism sets the task of creating majestic structures that glorify the power of Stalin. The monumentalism and scale of these buildings still surprises people.

Famous Russian architects

Russian architecture can be proud of a galaxy of outstanding masters who worked in the neoclassical style. Ivan Fomin is considered to be the founder. He devoted many years to the study of classical principles in the Russian tradition. He owns theoretical works that substantiate the neoclassical style and such outstanding buildings as the Polovtsev House in St. Petersburg, the Polytechnic Institute in Ivanovo, the Moscow City Council building. Among the architects who professed the ideas of retrospective neoclassicism, A. Zakharov, F. Lidval, S. Serafimov, A. Belogrud and many others stand out. The architects of Moscow and St. Petersburg not only became the pride of both capitals of Russia, but also set the tone for the development of other cities in the country.

Neoclassicism in the guise of Moscow

The capital of Russia today can proudly display unique architectural masterpieces in neoclassical style. Both periods of this style left a significant mark on the streets. Moscow architects skillfully decorated their beloved city. Among the most notable buildings are the house of the Race Society and the "House with Towers" on Smolenskaya Square by I. Zholtovsky, the mansion of Mindovsky architect N. Lazarev, an extension to the Moscow Art Theater by F. Shekhtel, the building of the State Savings Bank of I. Ivanov-Shits. Stalin period of neoclassicismfamiliar to every inhabitant of Russia. These are the famous skyscrapers of L. Rudnev, D. Chechulin, A. Mordvinov and other architects.

Neoclassicism in St. Petersburg

The famous "House with Towers" by K. Rosenstein became the embodiment of a special interpretation of neoclassicism in St. Petersburg. In it, medieval traditions are intertwined with elements of modernity and classics. The northern capital can boast of many other buildings in this style. The most famous are such buildings: the Abamelek-Lazarev house by architect I. Fomin, the Stock Exchange of Thomas de Thomon, a representative of early neoclassicism, the Betling mansion by A. Grube, Timofeev's tenement house by Y. Kovarsky and other talented works.