Neoclassicism in architecture: famous buildings and architects

Return to the ancient canons in art has occurred repeatedly. So too beautiful and harmonious were the buildings, sculptures, paintings of the classical period. Quite a long gap 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. A special interest in the interpretation of classical principles was shown by Russian architects.

Features of style

Its main task neoclassicism in architecture saw a return to the origins of European culture. The beginning of archaeological excavations in Greece and Italy in the XVII century caused a keen interest of architects to 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 reserved traditions with romantic ones. Before, these two styles competed with each other, but, finally, they find a lot of common ground.

Non-classical buildings are more light, elegant and straightforward in comparison with the classics. Also, the signs of neoclassicism are the 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 make new notes. For example, Egyptian or Etruscan. Style is characterized by restraint and even severity. Spectacular, large-scale buildings with Greek elements - that's the difference of buildings in the neoclassical style.

Periodization of neoclassicism in architecture

The term "neoclassicism" in architecture has some differences. 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 (the 17th century) and neoclassicism (the second half of the XVIII, the style of Louis 16 - 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 demanded and fruitful, it is customary to single out its three periods.

The first, the boundary of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, arose as a response to the crisis of modernism. His concise, he contrasted with the excessive decorative art nouveau. At this time, a direction arises retrospectivism, which seeks to revive the classical proportions and layout. The second period is the 1930s of the 20th century. He is also called Stalin's Empire in Russia . He combined the features of Baroque, Classicism, Art Nouveau and elements of national architectural schools. The third - 1950 years. It is predominantly characteristic of American architecture, where simple and monumental forms have found their new embodiment.

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. Style reproduced the ancient canons, combining them with finds of modernity and some national achievements. The principles were laid in the XVII century by Andrea Palladio, who built many buildings in Vicenza. These buildings have become a model for future generations of architects. He aroused interest in the techniques of ancient architects and he did not abate for several centuries.

The first buildings in the style of "neoclassicism" 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 he "darts" to America. Neoclassicism is not even a style at all. Rather, it is a certain direction of the development of the thought of the architects of the past. Careful treatment of established traditions and the erection of modern buildings on their basis with new constructive and decorating ideas are the principles of neoclassicists.

Neoclassicism in France

The first masterpieces of Neoclassicism architecture were created by Claude Ledo, who started his work even before the French Revolution. His saltworks in Arc-e-Senan, the customs buildings at the entrance to Paris, the theater in Besançon revived the Greek traditions and laid the foundation for a brilliant era of neoclassicism in French architecture. The most famous representative of this style is Jacques Ange Gabriel. In the mid-fifties of the XVIII century he created the majestic building of the Military School on the Champ de Mars, the magnificent Opera Garnier, the Small Trianon in Versailles, the Concorde Square project in Paris. His work became the forerunners of the heyday of neoclassicism in France.

After him, many talented architects began to build in this style. This is Nicolas de Mezier, who created the grain market, Jacques-Denis Antoine and his large mint on the banks of the Seine, Charles de Vaiy and the magnificent theater "Odeon". Neoclassicism is an adornment of Paris so far. Buildings with harmonious proportions, domes, triangular porticos and columns today became his pride.

Neoclassicism in the UK

In the 1860s, neoclassicism in architecture became the most relevant style in England. His founders were two great architects: Robert Adam and William Chambers. They, unlike the French colleagues, built mostly residential buildings. Adam visited Italy, where he fell in love with the ancient buildings and buildings of A. Palladio.

English neoclassicism differed from French in great elegance and ease. Here, much attention was paid to the interiors, the most famous of which is the decoration of the Sion House with Etruscan motifs. The continuers of the traditions of British neoclassicism are John Soon and George Dance. They continue their talent "Adam's style". The building of the Bank of England and the prison in Newgate were excellent examples of elegant English neoclassics.

The spread of neoclassicism in Europe

Talented representatives of neoclassicism were throughout Europe. So, in Germany the best creations in this style are created by Carl Friedrich Schinkel. Strict and laconic creations represent a special era in neoclassicism. Its buildings of the Old Museum and the new guard in Berlin are a creatively reworked approach to classical techniques and plans.

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

Russian neoclassicism: the main features

A special role was played by the style of neoclassicism in Russian architecture. The first stage was connected with overcoming the crisis of modernity, a return to classical sources, the search for simplicity. Ivan Fomin, Vladimir Shchuko, Ivan Zholtovsky are studying classical, golden proportions. They explore the masterpieces of the architecture of Italy and France, realize the finds in their buildings. The second stage of neoclassicism poses the task of creating majestic structures that glorify the power of Stalin. Monumentalism and the scale of these buildings still surprise people.

Famous Russian architects

Russian architecture can be proud of a whole galaxy of outstanding masters who worked in the style of neoclassicism. 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 house of Polovtsev in St. Petersburg, the Polytechnic Institute in Ivanovo, the Moscow City Council building in Moscow. Among the architects who professed the ideas of retrospective neoclassics, there are A. Zakharov, F. Lidval, S. Serafimov, A. Belogrud and many others. 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 can today proudly display unique architectural masterpieces in the style of neoclassicism. Both periods of this style left a significant mark on the streets. The architects of Moscow talentedly adorn their beloved city. Among the most notable buildings are the house of the Race Society and "The House with the Towers" in Smolenskaya Square by I. Zholtovsky, the Mansion of the Mindov Architect N. Lazarev, the annex to the Moscow Art Theater F. Shekhtel, the building of the State Savings Bank I. Ivanov-Shits. The Stalin period of neoclassicism is familiar to every citizen 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 the Towers" by K. Rosenstein became the embodiment of a special interpretation of neoclassics in St. Petersburg. In it, medieval traditions are intertwined with elements of modernism 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-Thomon Exchange, the representative of early neoclassicism, the Betling mansion by A.Grubė, the Timofeev apartment house designed by Y. Kovarsky and other talented works.