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."
This style emerged in the latter half of the 18th century and marked a shift towards classical inspiration. This style combined elements of Rococo with ancient Greek and Roman design motifs. It can be seen in the works of architects such as Robert Adam and Thomas Jefferson.
Historical context: The historical context of Neoclassical Rococo is essential for understanding the style. This includes the time period in which it emerged, significant political and social events, and the preceding architectural styles.
Neoclassical architecture: Neoclassicism is the revival of classical architectural styles, including ancient Greek and Roman. Learning about Neoclassical architecture is important for understanding the influence on Neoclassical Rococo.
Rococo architecture: Rococo architecture is associated with the lighter and more decorative aspects of the Rococo style. It is characterised by delicate ornamentation, asymmetry, and curves.
Ornamentation: Ornamentation is a key aspect of Rococo style. It includes decorative motifs such as shells, flowers, and bows that are used to embellish buildings.
Proportion and symmetry: Rococo architecture puts less emphasis on symmetry than Neoclassical architecture, but it still requires a sense of balance and proportion.
Materials: The types of materials used in buildings are important for understanding how they were constructed and the effect they have on the overall style. In Neoclassical Rococo, marble, stucco, and plaster were commonly used materials.
Architects: Learning about the architects who created this style, such as Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, Giuseppe Piermarini, and Jacques Ange Gabriel, can provide insight into the design principles and techniques used in Neoclassical Rococo.
Interior design: Neoclassical Rococo interiors are characterised by a blend of classical and Rococo styles. Elaborate mouldings and decorative motifs are combined with classical columns and pediments to create a sophisticated and stylish space.
Landscape design: Landscape design features complement the architecture, and are essential for understanding the architectural style. Neoclassical Rococo gardens typically have elaborate fountains, topiary, and manicured lawns.
Art and sculpture: Art and sculpture were an integral part of Rococo style. Learning about the artists, such as François Boucher, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, and Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, can provide insight into the influences of Rococo architecture.
Furniture: Furniture reflects the refinement, elegance, and luxury of Rococo style. Lavish textiles and ornate carvings characterise the furniture of this style.
Preservation: The preservation of Neoclassical Rococo architecture is essential for understanding the style, and for ensuring its legacy is continued. Studying preservation techniques can offer insight into the history and preservation of this style.
High Rococo: It was a highly decorative and ornate style of Rococo architecture, characterized by curves, asymmetrical forms, and elaborate decorations.
Late Rococo: It was a more restrained version of the Rococo style, which emerged towards the end of the 18th century. It featured simpler, more balanced forms with a greater emphasis on symmetry.
Neorococo: This was a revival of the Rococo style in the 19th century, which was marked by a return to its ornate, exuberant forms.
Rocaille: It was a variation of the Rococo style that emphasized the use of rocaille or shell-like decorations.
Rococo Revival: It was a style that emerged in the mid-19th century and sought to revive the Rococo style, which had fallen out of fashion by this time. It was characterized by its use of naturalistic motifs and flowing, curvilinear forms.
Transitional Rococo: This was a transitional style that emerged in the mid-18th century, which featured a combination of Baroque and Rococo elements. It was marked by its attention to detail and use of elaborate ornamentation.
Provincial Rococo: It was a regional variation of the Rococo style, which emerged in different regions of Europe. It was characterized by its simpler, more rustic forms and decorations.
Louis XV Rococo: This was a French variation of the Rococo style that emerged during the reign of King Louis XV. It was characterized by its playful, whimsical forms and decorations.
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."