A return to the ancient canons in art has occurred more than once. Buildings, sculptures, 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 differently in different countries of Europe. Of particular interest in the interpretation of classical principles were Russian architects.
Style features
Neoclassicism in architecture saw its main task as a return to the roots of European culture. The beginning of archaeological excavations in Greece and Italy in the 17th century aroused keen interest of architects in the principles of ancient architects. This led to the emergence of a style called classicism, which is developing and gradually transforming into neoclassicism. Its main feature is the combination of restrained traditions with romantic ones. Before, these two styles competed with each other, but, finally, they find many points of contact.
Non-classical buildings are more light, elegant and straightforward compared to the classics. Also signs of neoclassicism is a special attention to maintaining proportions, the desire for monumentality, even pomp. Architects not only copy the ancient order system, but strive to make new notes. For example, Egyptian or Etruscan. The style is characterized by restraint and even rigor. Spectacular, large-scale buildings with Greek elements - this is the difference between buildings in the neoclassical style.
Periodization of neoclassicism in architecture
The term "neoclassicism" in architecture has some ambiguities. This is primarily due to the European and Russian approach to highlighting its periods. In Europe, it is customary to separate classicism (XVII century) and neoclassicism (second half of the XVIII, Louis 16 style - the first third of 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 distinguish three of its periods.
The first, the turn of the 19th - beginning of the 20th centuries, arose as an answer to the crisis of modernism. His laconicism was opposed to the excessive decorativeness of Art Nouveau. At this time, a retrospective approach arises, striving to revive the classical proportions and layout. The second period is the 1930s of the 20th century. It is also called the Stalinist Empire in Russia . He combined the features of Baroque, Classicism, Art Nouveau and elements of national architectural schools. The third is the 1950s. It is mainly characteristic of American architecture, where simple and monumental forms found their new embodiment.
Neoclassicism in world architecture
Classicism was a powerful art style. He has embraced all forms of art. Its development led to the emergence of neoclassicism, which was no longer based on a pure imitation of antique patterns, but on their rethinking. The style reproduced the ancient canons, combining them with the finds of Art Nouveau 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 he did not cease for several centuries.
The first buildings in the style of "neoclassicism" with symmetrical shapes, rows of columns, domed roofs and rectangular facades appeared in France. Later, architects from other European countries pick up the trend. And gradually he "rolls" to America. Neoclassicism is not even quite a style. Rather, this is a certain direction in the development of thought of architects of the past. Careful handling of established traditions and the construction on their basis of modern buildings with new constructive and decorating ideas - these are the principles of neoclassicists.
Neoclassicism in France
The first masterpieces of neoclassicism architecture were created by Claude Ledoux, who began his work before the French Revolution. His saltworks in Arc-e-Senan, customs buildings at the entrance to Paris, the theater in Besançon revived Greek traditions and ushered in a brilliant era of neoclassicism in French architecture. The most famous representative of this style is Jacques Ange Gabriel. In the mid 50-ies of the XVIII century, he created the magnificent building of the Military School on the Field of Mars, the magnificent Opera Garnier, the Small Trianon in Versailles, the project of Concorde Square in Paris. His works became the forerunners of the heyday of neoclassicism in France.
Following him, many talented architects began to build in this style. These are Nicola de Mezieres, who created the grain market, Jacques-Denis Antoine and his large-scale mint on the banks of the Seine, Charles de Vailles and the magnificent Odeon Theater. Neoclassicism is an adornment of Paris so far. Buildings with harmonious proportions, domes, triangular porticos and columns today have become his pride.
Neoclassicism in the UK
In the 60s of the 18th century, neoclassicism in architecture became the most relevant style in England. Two great architects became its founders: Robert Adam and William Chambers. They, unlike their French counterparts, built mostly residential buildings. Adam visited Italy, where he fell in love with the ancient structures and buildings of A. Palladio forever.
English neoclassicism was distinguished from French by great grace and ease. Here, great attention was paid to interiors, the most famous of which is the decor of Sion House with Etruscan motifs. The successors of the traditions of British neoclassicism are John Soane and George Dance. They talentedly continue the "Adam style." The Bank of England building and Newgate Prison were excellent examples of elegant English neoclassicism.
The 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 laconic creations represent a special era in neoclassicism. Its buildings of the Old Museum and the new guardhouse in Berlin are a creatively redesigned approach to classical receptions and plans.
In Italy, neoclassic has reached an incredible scope. A. Palladio with its magnificent buildings in Venice and Vicenza, Giuseppe Piermarini and his La Scala theater are the pearls of world architecture. Later, Marcello Piacentini was able to interpret in his own way the rich heritage of ancient architecture and Palladian style in the first quarter of the XX century. He created a unique campus complex in Rome and Victoria Square in Brescia.
Russian neoclassicism: main features
A special role was acquired by the neoclassicism style in Russian architecture. The first stage was associated with overcoming the crisis of Art Nouveau, a return to classical sources, the search for simplicity. Ivan Fomin, Vladimir Schuko, Ivan Zholtovsky are engaged in the study of classical, golden proportions. They explore the masterpieces of architecture of Italy and France, realize finds in their buildings. The second stage of neoclassicism sets the task of creating magnificent buildings glorifying the power of Stalin. The monumentalism and scale of these buildings still amazes people.
Famous Russian architects
Russian architecture can be proud of a whole galaxy of outstanding masters who worked in the neoclassical style. The founder is rightfully considered Ivan Fomin. He devoted many years to the study of classical principles in the Russian tradition. He owns theoretical works that justify the neoclassical style and such outstanding buildings as the Polovtsev’s 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 of the country.
Neoclassicism in the guise of Moscow
The capital of Russia today can proudly display unique architectural masterpieces in the neoclassical style. Both periods of this style left a significant mark on the streets. Moscow architects talented decorated their beloved city. Among the most notable buildings are the Skakov Society House and the “House with Towers” ​​on Smolenskaya Square I. Zholtovsky, the mansion of the Mindovsky architect N. Lazarev, an extension to the Moscow Art Theater F. Shekhtel, the building of the State Savings Bank I. Ivanov-Shits. The Stalinist period of neoclassicism is familiar to every resident of Russia. These are the famous skyscrapers of L. Rudnev, D. Chechulin, A. Mordvinov and other architects.
Neoclassicism in St. Petersburg
The embodiment of a special interpretation of neoclassicism in St. Petersburg was the famous “House with Towers” ​​by K. Rosenstein. In it, medieval traditions are intertwined with elements of Art Nouveau and classics. The northern capital can boast of many other buildings in this style. The most famous are such buildings: the house of Abamelek-Lazarev architect I. Fomin, the Tom de Tomon Exchange, a representative of early neoclassicism, the Betling mansion by A. Grube, Timofeev’s apartment building designed by Y. Kovarsky and other talented works.