Classicism and Baroque: Comparison of Art Directions

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

The art of the 17th-18th centuries formed two amazing styles - classicism and baroque. These two major pan-European styles existed side by side for two centuries. Despite the obvious differences, they closely interacted with each other. During their development, classicism and baroque found themselves not only in world and Russian architecture, but also in sculpture, literature, interior design and art. Comparison of classicism and baroque, two styles, bright, shocking and unique, we will consider further.

History of Classicism

Classicism translated from Latin means "exemplary". A memorable trend in European culture arose in the 17th century. It was the era of the strengthening of the monarchy, everything should be perfect and at the same time luxurious, which can be seen in the impeccable figures of the ancient world.

The founder of the style of classicism was France, where the spirit of freedom and perfection of man flew asspiritual as well as physical. Strict, ideal silhouettes in architectural ensembles, ancient scenes in painting and sculpture, rich but restrained interior decoration. All these are features of classicism.

In Russia, this style was established under Catherine II, her desire to Europeanize the country played a key role in the construction of the famous architectural monuments of that time.

Classicism is a classic, the harmony of man and nature, simple and concise in its direction. The style, where certain rules must be observed, very quickly found itself in the palace culture in Germany, Italy, England and Russia.

History of the Baroque

Baroque means - "loose", "prone to excess". Italy became the founder of this pompous style. End of the 16th century - the Renaissance, the strengthening of Catholic power, bright, bold and majestic, it was supposed to impress. All the distinctive elements of the Baroque found their embodiment in the Catholic cities of Italy.

However, European countries have also adopted certain attributes and elements of the "loose" Italian style. England, France, Russia used the new culture in their architecture and interiors to emphasize their brilliance and uniqueness.

The style, focused on creating the illusion of we alth and luxury of the church, as well as the Italian nobility, was subsequently reflected in all countries of Europe, America and Russia. And he remained an immortal companion of the Catholic Church.

Comparisonbaroque and classicism style

Two styles have been going side by side for centuries. However, they have obvious differences in the history and purpose of creation, in embodiment in art.

Comparison of classicism and baroque

Direction	Classicism	Baroque
General	Ancient art is taken as a model. Simplicity, sophistication, clear and concise images. Perfect rationality. Strictness, uniform images, balance of details	Luxury and pomposity, demonstrative we alth is taken as a model. Strong contrasts, theatricality. Vibrant expressiveness
In art	3D balanced compositions, clarity of lines, antique ideals in art. Clear plot, restrained emotions	The rapid development of action. Strong, vivid emotions. Enthusiastic images. Intricate plot
In architecture	Strict clear forms. Scale. Greatness. Harmonious proportions, monumentality. Strict simplicity	Complex curvilinear shapes. Festive pomp. Large-scale colonnades, distortion of the proportions of buildings. Color contrasts, large windows
In the interior	Expensive, discreet materials. Calm colors, rich simplicity. The predominance of geometric shapes. Antique Ornaments	Rich, varied decor materials. Bright combinations, gold, marble, lacquer. Complex ornaments. Painting on the ceiling, oversized furniture

Classicism andbaroque visual

The main features of baroque and classicism are luxury and discreet we alth. Both styles are reflected in expensive works of art and flamboyant architectural structures. Consider the most famous objects of two different styles of the same time period.

Classicism is, of course, Place de la Revolt and the Pantheon in Paris. Isaac and Kazan Cathedrals in St. Petersburg. Bolshoi Theater in Warsaw. The famous painting by Jacques-Louis David "Napoleon's Crossing the Alps" perfectly reflects the style of classicism in painting. "Psyche Awakened by Cupid's Kiss" is the most famous statue in classicism. The architectural ensemble "Apollo and the Nymphs" is an example of the classical style, incredible in its beauty.

While baroque is known to us from the Smolny Cathedral in St. Petersburg, the Opera House in Odessa and, of course, the Catholic Church in the Vatican. Rubens and Caravaggio are the most recognizable baroque painters. And the Italian Lorenzo Bernini reveals to us all the expressiveness of the Baroque in his stunning sculptures.

Classicism and Baroque in architecture

As we can see from the descriptions and comparisons of the two styles, the differences between Baroque and Classicism are obvious. In the latter, this is an appeal primarily to ancient architecture, in the baroque - to the luxury of Catholic churches.

Classicism and Baroque in architecture, comparison on the example of two outstanding monuments

The Basilica del Santa Croce, Italy is a typical example of Italian Baroque. Distinctive features - lush decor and manystatues on the facade. Sculptures, balconies, columns, the complex shape of the building. The center is crowned with a huge round window - already going beyond the standards of typical architecture. Caryatids and Atlanteans, bizarre forms - all these are the hallmarks of the Baroque.

Classicism is the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. On his example, we can see the characteristic features in the architecture of this style. Simplicity and conciseness. Monumentality and severity. Clear forms, columns. Small standard windows. Discreet stucco pattern on the façade with typical patterns from the ancient world. A clear geometric shape of the structure. Nice discreet uniform color throughout the building.

Baroque and Classicist architecture are very different in comparison. At first glance, you can distinguish them from each other: the pretentiousness of the Baroque is striking, of course, these are complex architectural works. Whereas buildings in the style of classicism have so clear proportions and a strict appearance that they involuntarily make you think about their grandeur and monumentality.

Classicism and Baroque in painting

Coming from the same time period, classicism and baroque, however, have distinctive features in art.

Michelangelo is one of the most famous Italian artists who set a new style in painting - baroque. These are predominantly religious stories, vivid images, emotional scenes from the life of ordinary people. The contrast of colors, light and twilight, many household items, realism of emotions. Followers of this style in art - AnnibaleCarracci and Guido Reni.

Classicism is no less picturesque, but ancient Greece is taken as the basis. Raphael, Giulio Romano on their canvases depict the ideal physical forms of divine characters. Cold mythical plots fascinate with their conciseness, nothing superfluous, well-thought-out composition and space around the characters.

It is possible to single out the main elements in the comparison of the art trends of classicism and baroque. Firstly, it is the real emotionality of the baroque, the power of the plot and the colorfulness of the images, and secondly, the restrained beauty of ancient mythology, understandable and concise in its manifestation.

Comparison of classicism and baroque in the interior

In addition to outstanding works of art and incredible architectural monuments, baroque and classicism are reflected in the interior of houses and rooms. Next - a comparison of classicism and baroque in the decoration of the premises.

These two styles brought their main features to the interior. First of all, it's expensive. In both cases, it is luxury and we alth. And then we can talk about colors. Baroque is always bright, always gold, marble, lacquered surfaces. Lots of additional items, complex shapes of furniture and intricate patterns of canopies and chair upholstery. Of course, this is the beauty that you want to immerse yourself in, every subject that you want to study. Admiration and pomposity, what kings love so much.

Classicism in this regard plays in contrast with the Baroque. subdued pastel colors,harmonizing with each other. Calm, but no less majestic interior was created, rather, to soothe, not to disturb. Predominantly light colors, clarity of lines, correctness of objects. The functionality of the interior attributes, however, is not without its charm.

Classicism and Baroque in Russia

These two styles came to Russia in the 18th century. Tsarist Russia was in close contact with European states and did not want to be left behind in the opportunity to demonstrate its greatness.

Baroque and classicism in Russian architecture was embodied mainly by Rastrelli. It was he who was engaged in the reconstruction and construction of the main buildings of St. Petersburg at that time. Naturally, the styles were Russified, adopting the basic principles of the two directions, traditional Russian architecture was preserved. The Smolny Monastery is perhaps the most striking representative of the Baroque in St. Petersburg, while the "highlight" of classicism is, of course, the Kazan Cathedral. Architects V. Bazhenov, M. Kazakov, I. Starov stood at the origins of this style in Russia; churches and houses built according to their designs can be seen in Moscow.

Baroque and classicism play a big role in Russian architecture. Both in historical manifestation - the founding of St. Petersburg, the new Moscow, and in the struggle for equality of Russian classic writers.

Now it is impossible to imagine our cities without the Hermitage, the Academy of Sciences and the Tauride Palace.

Classicism and Baroque in our time

In today's world, architects often turn to baroque and classicism, comparing and mixing these styles. Timekings and emperors have passed, but the love of luxury and grandeur has remained. Now you can already see modern baroque castles somewhere on Rublyovka or another oligarch's classicist dacha in the village of Nirvana near St. Petersburg.

In the Trezzini hotel you can immerse yourself in the luxury of kings, and in the Empire restaurant you can taste the dishes of modern kings. But this is already today's luxury, although it is still not available to everyone.