Classicism in Russian architecture (photo)

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

Classicism in Russian architecture appeared at the end of the 18th century and actively developed until the beginning of the 19th century. A new era of Russian architecture flourished. The most striking changes took place in the architectural appearance of the capitals, as well as some other cities. Next, consider what constitutes classicism in architecture. It will be quite easy to make a report on this topic using the materials of the article.

General information

Classicism is a European cultural and aesthetic trend. It focused on ancient art, in particular ancient Roman and Greek. Also, the development of the direction was greatly influenced by the mythology of those periods. As for Russian literature, in it the age of classicism was relatively dull and short. The same can be said about music. However, numerous masterpieces of classicism in the architecture of Russia were nevertheless left to posterity.

Character of direction: description

Classicism in architecture (photo below) is distinguished by a calm and clear rhythm, balance and clarity. It's about balancing proportions. Symmetry was the main law of composition. Features of classicism in architecture consisted in the general harmony of parts and the whole. As for the main entrance to the building, it should have been located in the center and looked like a portico. It implies the protruding part of the structure with a pediment and columns. At the same time, the latter had to differ from the walls in color. As a rule, the columns had a white tint. The walls were yellow. These are the main features of classicism in architecture.

Building process: streamlining the city center

Classicism in the architecture of Russia began to appear very smoothly. The streamlining of the center of the cultural capital was marked by the erection of the Admir alty building. This project was developed by Andrey Dmitrievich Zakharov. In a huge building, the architect decided to highlight the central tower. The massive cubic base served as an impetus for the creation of its dynamic vertical continuation. The whole structure passes into a smaller structure with a light colonnade. Then there is a rapid take-off of a gilded needle with a boat. The tone of the entire architecture of the city on the Neva was set by the solemn major rhythm of the Admir alty. The ship has become his symbol.

Classicism in the architecture of St. Petersburg

In the middle of the 18th century, this capital city was distinguished by single ensembles. It was very similar to old Moscow and was buried in the greenery of numerous estates. Later, regular construction of its avenues began, which, like rays, diverged from the Admir alty. Howremarkable classicism in the architecture of St. Petersburg? First of all, these are not separate buildings, but entire ensembles and avenues. Classicism in the architecture of St. Petersburg is striking in its harmony, unity and balance.

Establishment of the Stock Exchange

At the beginning of the 19th century, classicism in the architecture of St. Petersburg began to gain more and more importance. The stock exchange on the spit of Vasilyevsky Island was to play a key role. It was supposed to unite the ensembles that have developed around the widest section of the riverbed. Thomas de Thomon, who was a French architect, was involved in the design of the Stock Exchange and the design of the arrow. A. D. Zakharov took part in the finalization of the project. All tasks were solved brilliantly thanks to the creative community of architects. The system was united by the mirror of the Neva. As for the volume of the building of the Exchange itself, it is relatively small. However, it was confidently opposed to the vast expanse of water. In many respects, this was achieved due to the rostral columns and the peculiarities of the structure's forms. The theme of domination over the mighty elements was perfectly developed. In particular, this refers to the monumental work that complemented the ensemble.

Classicism in Russian architecture and sculpture continued to grow stronger. Confirmation of the latter lies in the mighty figures that adorned the embankments of the main rivers of the country. Many masters worked on their creation: V. I. Demut-Malinosky, I. I. Terebenev and S. S. Pimenov. These and many other masterpieces of classicism inRussian architecture is rightfully of world importance.

Work on Nevsky Prospekt

It will be about the main thoroughfare of the cultural capital. With the construction of the Kazan Cathedral, the avenue began to look like an integral architectural ensemble. The project was developed by Andrey Nikiforovich Voronikhin. By the way, his father was a serf. The work of Michelangelo was taken as a model. It's about the Cathedral of St. Peter (in Rome). Voronikhin used his motives. Thus, a unique architectural work was created. The square in front of the Kazan Cathedral is surrounded on both sides by its colonnade. It became the center of public urban life. Later demonstrations and rallies were held here. The ashes of M. I. Kutuzov were transferred to the cathedral.

St. Isaac's Cathedral

It took forty years to build. This is the largest building that was built in the first half of the 19th century in Russia. 13 thousand visitors can be present inside it at the same time. The project was developed by Auguste Montferrand. As for the design of the interior decoration and appearance, K. P. Bryullov and P. K. Klodt took part in it - an artist and a sculptor, respectively. It was conceived in such a way that the cathedral would embody the inviolability and power of the autocracy. It also refers to close union with the Orthodox Church. The building of the cathedral is truly majestic. It makes a lasting impression. Nevertheless, it is impossible not to blame the customers and authors of the project for a certain gigantomania. This testified that classicism in the architecture of Russia began to experiencecrisis period.

Moscow building

It was primarily characterized not by ensembles, but by individual buildings. As for the creation of the first, it was very difficult to reproduce them on the curved streets, which were literally crammed with buildings from different eras. The fire that occurred in 1812 could not break their traditional differences. However, classicism in the architecture of Russia was able to bring bright colors even here. After a fire broke out in Moscow, many beautiful buildings were erected. We are talking about the Board of Trustees at Solyanka, the Manege, the Bolshoi Theater and so on. A monument to Minin and Pozharsky was erected on Red Square. The author of this work is Ivan Petrovich Marsov. The sculptor followed the traditions of classicism. For this reason, the heroes are dressed in antique clothes. Moscow classicism could not boast of the same majestic monumentality as St. Petersburg. It was characterized by small manor-type mansions. We can say that Moscow classicism is closer to a person, very naive and free. The Lopukhins' house is the best Moscow mansion made in this style. This project was developed by the architect A. G. Grigoriev. He is a native of serfs.

Development of provincial towns

It was carried out similarly to Moscow. The province boasted a number of major craftsmen. Baroque and classicism have been traced in the architecture of buildings in Siberia since the beginning of the 19th century. These traitswere reflected everywhere. For example, in the Resurrection Cathedral of Tomsk or the Moscow Gates of Irkutsk. Later, classicism finally gained a foothold in Siberia. "White House" is one of the best first creations that was made in this style. It was built by merchants Sibiryakovs. Later, it turned into a governor-general's residence. Nikolsky Cossack Cathedral was erected in Omsk in accordance with the project of a famous architect. We are talking about Vasily Petrovich Stasov. Yermak's banner was kept in this cathedral.

Crisis period

It started in the 30s of the 19th century. Contemporaries ceased to admire the depressing monotony of buildings with columns. N. V. Gogol also mentioned this. At that time, St. Petersburg was covered by the construction of tenement houses. They needed multiple entrances. However, according to the canons of classicism, only one main passage could be made, which should have been located in the center of the structure. The lower floors of tenement houses also underwent changes. They began to place shops. Even here, the norms of classicism could not be observed in any way. This was due to the presence of wide windows. Thus, under the onslaught of the realities of modernity, classicism was forced to leave.

New destinations

The creative thinking of architects began to be based on the principles of "smart choice". They believed that the building should be executed in a style that best suits its purpose. And yet the final result depended on the taste of the architect and the wishes of the customer. Estates of landlords began to be built in the stylemedieval gothic. At the same time, aristocratic mansions appeared in the cities, corresponding to all the canons of the new baroque. Sometimes customers showered architects with non-standard requirements. Thus, Venetian windows could have appeared at the apartment building. The period of mixing styles has begun.

Late famous buildings

The New Hermitage was built in St. Petersburg according to a project developed by the German architect Leo Klenze. Powerful granite atlantes guarding the entrance, decoration (modern Greek style) and balance of parts - thanks to all this, an impressive image of the museum has been created. Later, the Nicholas Palace was erected. It clearly traces the motives of the Italian Renaissance. The development of this project belongs to the architect Andrey Ivanovich Shtakenshneider. The interior views of the palace make a particularly strong impression. The dark lattice of the railing emphasizes the run-up of the marches of the main staircase. The columns are distinguished by a special grace. It seems that the vaults rest very easily on them. It seems that the architecture is filled with internal movement. As for the space of the stairs, it moves up and into the depths.

Contribution of Konstantin Andreyevich Ton

His creative goal was to revive the traditions of ancient Russian architecture. According to Ton's designs, five-domed churches with narrow arched windows were built. He used Byzantine and Russian decor. All these elements were combined with the symmetry and strict proportions of classicism. Tony couldn't part with him. To many, this combined style seemed very artificial. However, the reality was something else. The main reason is the insufficiently deep development of the ancient Russian architectural heritage. Nicholas I appreciated the work of Ton. The architect was given several large orders for Moscow. The Grand Kremlin Palace was built under his leadership. Later, the laying of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior took place. Its construction took a very long time. It is worth noting that the temple itself was conceived as a memory of the deliverance of the country from the Napoleonic invasion. In 1883 it was solemnly consecrated. Many talented Russian masters took part in the construction, among them:

1. Stonemasons.
2. Founders.
3. Engineers.
4. Artists.
5. Sculptors.

Also, marble plaques were installed in the temple, on which the names of the wounded and killed officers were immortalized. It contains information about how many soldiers died in a particular battle. The names of people who donated their savings to achieve victory are also immortalized on these marble plaques. As for the skyline of Moscow, the hundred-meter bulk of the temple fits perfectly into it.