Quote: "Neoclassical architecture, sometimes referred to as Classical Revival architecture, is an architectural style produced by the Neoclassical movement that began in the mid-18th century in Italy and France."
A brief history of the origins and influence of neoclassical architecture, including the revival of ancient Greek and Roman styles during the Renaissance.
Classical Antiquity: The study of the art, architecture, and literature of ancient Greece and Rome, which served as inspiration for the neoclassical movement.
Renaissance Art: The revival of classical forms and motifs in art during the 15th and 16th centuries, which influenced neoclassical artists.
Enlightenment Philosophy: The intellectual movement of the 18th century, which emphasized the importance of reason and rationality in art, architecture, and society.
Palladianism: The architectural style popularized by Andrea Palladio in 16th-century Italy, which became a major influence on neoclassical architecture.
Baroque Architecture: The highly decorative and ornate style of architecture that was popular in Europe in the 17th and early 18th centuries, which was rejected by neoclassical architects.
Rococo Art: The highly decorative and ornate style of art that was popular in Europe in the 17th and early 18th centuries, which was also rejected by neoclassical artists.
Archaeology: The scientific study of ancient artifacts and civilizations, which provided neoclassical artists and architects with inspiration and source material.
Grand Tour: The educational trip taken by wealthy Europeans to visit important cultural sites in Europe, which included many neoclassical buildings.
French Revolution: The political and social upheaval in France in the late 18th century, which influenced neoclassical artists and architects in their desire to create a more rational and democratic society.
Thomas Jefferson: The American architect and politician who was a major proponent of neoclassical architecture in the United States and who designed several important neoclassical buildings, including Monticello and the Virginia State Capitol.
Ancient Greek and Roman Architecture: This is perhaps the most prominent and obvious origin of Neoclassicism. Buildings and architectural elements from ancient Greece and Rome were often used as inspiration for Neoclassical architecture.
Palladian Architecture: Palladian architecture refers to the styles and designs introduced by the Italian architect Andrea Palladio in the 16th century. Palladio's work was heavily influenced by ancient Greek and Roman architecture, which was reflected in his use of strong, simple forms and harmony and proportion in his designs.
Renaissance Architecture: Neoclassicism emerged during the Enlightenment era, which was also a time when the Renaissance was being rediscovered. The idealized proportions and symmetry of Renaissance architecture also helped shape the Neoclassical style.
French Classical Architecture: French Classical architecture, also known as Louis XIV style, was characterized by grand, decorative designs with strong geometric forms. The style heavily influenced Neoclassical architecture, particularly in France.
Baroque Architecture: The grandeur and drama of Baroque architecture, which was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, also helped shape Neoclassical architecture. Neoclassical designers often borrowed elements such as grand entrances, ornate facades, and dramatic staircases.
British Georgian Architecture: British Georgian architecture, which emerged in the early 18th century, was characterized by simplicity, symmetry, and proportion. The Georgian style also emphasized the use of classical elements such as columns, pediments, and entablatures, which influenced Neoclassical design.
Colonial Architecture: The Neoclassical style was also used in American colonial architecture, particularly in public buildings such as government buildings, libraries, and museums. The style reflected a desire to emulate the grandeur and ideals of ancient Greece and Rome.
Quote: "The Neoclassical movement began in the mid-18th century in Italy and France."
Quote: "The prevailing styles of architecture in most of Europe for the previous two centuries, Renaissance architecture and Baroque architecture..."
Quote: "The Neoclassical movement aimed to strip away the excesses of Late Baroque and return to a purer and more authentic classical style, adapted to modern purposes."
Quote: "The development of archaeology and published accurate records of surviving classical buildings was crucial in the emergence of Neoclassical architecture."
Quote: "In many countries, there was an initial wave essentially drawing on Roman architecture, followed, from about the start of the 19th century, by a second wave of Greek Revival architecture."
Quote: "This followed increased understanding of Greek survivals."
Quote: "As the 19th century continued, the style tended to lose its original rather austere purity in variants like the French Empire style."
Quote: "The term 'neoclassical' is often used very loosely for any building using some of the classical architectural vocabulary."
Quote: "In form, Neoclassical architecture emphasizes the wall rather than chiaroscuro and maintains separate identities to each of its parts."
Quote: "The style is manifested both in its details as a reaction against the Rococo style of naturalistic ornament..."
Quote: "In its architectural formulae, the style is an outgrowth of some classicizing features of the Late Baroque architectural tradition."
Quote: "Therefore, the style is defined by symmetry, simple geometry, and social demands instead of ornament."
Quote: "In the 21st century, a version of the style continues, sometimes called New Classical architecture or New Classicism."
Quote: "Neoclassical architecture, sometimes referred to as Classical Revival architecture..."
Quote: "The Neoclassical movement began in the mid-18th century in Italy and France."
Quote: "Renaissance architecture and Baroque architecture already represented partial revivals of the Classical architecture of ancient Rome and ancient Greek architecture..."
Quote: "Followed, from about the start of the 19th century, by a second wave of Greek Revival architecture."
Quote: "The style tended to lose its original rather austere purity in variants like the French Empire style."
Quote: "The style is manifested both in its details as a reaction against the Rococo style of naturalistic ornament."