Classicism in the architecture of Russia (photo)

Classicism in the architecture of Russia appeared at the end of the XVIII century and actively developed until the beginning of the XIX century. A new era of Russian architecture flourished. There were bright changes in the architectural appearance of the capitals, as well as some other cities. Next, let's look at what constitutes classicism in architecture. The report on this topic will be quite simple, using the materials of the article.

General information

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

Nature of the direction: description

Classicism in architecture (photo is shown below) is characterized by a calm and clear rhythm, poise and clarity. This is about the correctness of 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 front entrance to the building, it should have been located in the center and have the appearance of a portico. It implies a projecting forward part of the structure with a pediment and columns. In this case, 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. Arrangement of the center of the cultural capital was marked by the erection of the Admiralty building. This project was developed by Andrei Dmitrievich Zakharov. In a huge building, the architect decided to single out the central tower. A massive cubic base served as an impetus for creating a dynamic vertical continuation of it. All this structure goes into a smaller structure with a light colonnade. Further, there is a rapid takeoff of the gilded needle with the boat. The tone of the whole architecture of the city on the Neva was set by the solemn-major rhythm of the Admiralty. The ship turned into its symbol.

Classicism in the architecture of St. Petersburg

In the middle of the XVIII century, this capital city was distinguished by single ensembles. He was very similar to the old Moscow and drowned in the greenery of numerous estates. Later, the regular construction of its avenues began, which, like rays, were diverging from the Admiralty. What is remarkable about classicism in the architecture of St. Petersburg? This is, first of all, not individual buildings, but whole ensembles and avenues. Classicism in the architecture of St. Petersburg is striking in its harmony, unity and poise.

Erection of the Exchange

At the beginning of the XIX century classicism in the architecture of St. Petersburg was beginning to acquire increasing importance. The exchange on the Spit of the Vasilyevsky Island was to play a key role. It had to unite the ensembles that formed around the widest section of the riverbed. Tom de Tomon, who was a French architect, was engaged in the design of the Stock Exchange and the design of the arrow. AD Zakharov took part in the finalization of the project. All tasks were brilliantly solved thanks to the creative collaboration of architects. The system was united by a mirror of the Neva. As for the volume of the building itself, the Exchange is relatively small. However, it was confidently contrasted with the vast water surface. In many respects this was achieved thanks to rostral columns and features of the forms of construction. The theme of domination over the mighty elements was perfectly developed. In particular, this refers to the monumental work, which was complemented by the ensemble. Classicism in Russian architecture and sculpture continued to strengthen. Confirmation of the latter lies in the powerful figures that adorned the embankments of the main rivers of the country. Many craftsmen worked on their creation: VI Demut-Malinsky, II Terebenev and SS Pimenov. These and many other masterpieces of classicism in the architecture of Russia are rightfully of world importance.

Work on Nevsky Prospekt

It will be about the main highway 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 Andrei Nikiforovich Voronikhin. By the way, his father was a serf. For the sample was taken the creation of Michelangelo. It is about the Cathedral of St. Petra (in Rome). Voronikhin used his motives. Thus, a unique architectural work was created. The square, located in front of the Kazan Cathedral, is surrounded on both sides by its colonnade. It became the focus of public urban life. Later, demonstrations and rallies were held here. The ashes of M. I. Kutuzov were transferred to the cathedral.

Saint Isaac's Cathedral

He was erected for forty years. This is the largest building that was built in the first half of the XIX century in Russia. Inside it, 13 thousand visitors can be present at a time. The project was designed by Auguste Montferrand. As for the decoration of the interior and appearance, KP Briullov and PK Klodt, an artist and sculptor, took part in it, respectively. It was conceived that the cathedral would personify the inviolability and power of the autocracy. This also applies to a close alliance with the Orthodox Church. The building of the cathedral is truly majestic. It makes an indelible impression. Nevertheless, it is impossible not to reproach the customers and authors of the project in a certain gigantomania. This showed that the classicism in the architecture of Russia began to experience a crisis period.

Moscow building

It, first of all, was characterized not by ensembles, but by separate buildings. As for the creation of the first, it was very difficult to reproduce them on curved streets that were literally crammed with buildings of different eras. The fire that occurred in 1812, could not break their traditional differences. However, classicism in the architecture of Russia, even here, could bring bright colors. After the fire in Moscow, a lot of beautiful buildings were erected . It's about the Board of Trustees at Solyanka, Manezh, the Bolshoi Theater and so on. Monument to Minin and Pozharsky was erected on Red Square. The author of this work is Ivan Petrovich Marsov. The sculptor observed the traditions of classicism. For this reason, the heroes are clothed in antique clothes. Moscow classicism could not boast of the same grand monumentality as the Petersburg one. He had small mansions of manor type. We can say that Moscow Classicism is closer to the person, very naive and free. The Lopukhins' House is the best Moscow mansion in this style. This project was developed by the architect AG Grigoriev. He comes from serfs.

Development of provincial cities

It was carried out in a similar way to Moscow. The province boasted a number of major masters. Baroque and classicism in the architecture of the buildings of Siberia were traced already from the beginning of the XIX century. These features were reflected everywhere. For example, in the Resurrection Cathedral of Tomsk or the Moscow gate of Irkutsk. Later classicism finally consolidated in Siberia. "The White House" is one of the best first works that was performed in this style. It was built by the merchants Sibiryakovs. Later, he became a governor-general's residence. Nikolsky Cossack Cathedral was erected in Omsk in accordance with the project of the famous architect. It's about Vasily Petrovich Stasov. The banner of Ermak was kept in this cathedral.

Crisis period

It began in the 30s of the XIX century. Contemporaries ceased to admire the oppressive monotony of buildings with columns. This was also mentioned by NV Gogol. At that time Petersburg was covered by the construction of apartment houses. For them, several entrances were required. However, according to the canons of classicism, it was possible to make only one main move, which was to be located in the center of the structure. The lower floors of apartment houses have also undergone changes. They began to post stores. Even here the norms of classicism could not be observed in any way. This was due to the presence of wide display cabinets. Thus, under the onslaught of the realities of modernity, classicism was forced to withdraw.

New directions

Creative thoughts of architects began to be based on the principles of "smart choice". They believed that the structure 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. Manors landlords began to be built in the style of medieval 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 house. The period of mixing styles began.

Later famous buildings

The new Hermitage was built in St. Petersburg on a project developed by the German architect Leo Klenze. Powerful granite atlantes guarding the entrance, decorative decoration (Greek style) and balance of parts - thanks to all this, an impressive image of the museum was created. Later, the Nikolaevsky Palace was erected. It clearly traces the motives of the Italian Renaissance. The development of this project belongs to the architect Andrei Ivanovich Shtakenshneider. The interior views of the palace make a particularly strong impression. The dark railing of the railing emphasizes the run-up of the marches of the front staircase. Columns are distinguished by special grace. It seems that the vaults are very easy to rely on them. It seems that the architecture is filled with inner movement. As for the space of the stairs, it moves up and down.

Contribution of Konstantin Andreevich Ton

His creative goal was to revive the traditions of Old Russian architecture. According to the projects of Tona, five-domed churches with narrow arched windows were built. He used Byzantine and Russian decor. All these elements were combined with symmetry and strict proportions of classicism. With him, Tone did not manage to part. To many, this combined style seemed very artificial. However, in reality, the matter was different. The main reason is the inadequate development of the Old Russian architectural heritage. Nicholas I appreciated the works of Ton. The architect was given several large orders for Moscow. The Great Kremlin Palace was built exactly under his leadership. Later, the laying of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior was held. His erection stretched very long. It is worth noting that the temple itself was conceived as a memory of the country's escape from the Napoleonic invasion. In 1883 it was solemnly consecrated. Many talented Russian masters took part in the construction, among them:

1. Masons.
2. Foundry.
3. Engineers.
4. Artists.
5. Sculptors.

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