In the 1700's, art began to shift its focus once again. This time, the artists and architect's drew their inspiration from classic Greek and Roman influences. They also drew inspiration from new scientific discoveries such as the ruins of Pompeii. The discovery and exploration of ancient Greek and Roman ruins led to a new focus in the arts that re-ignited the use of ancient art and architecture approaches. Acts of heroism and selflessness also began to take the stage. Neoclassical describes the new use of classical influences. Neo means "new" so neoclassical means "new classical". In this era, classical was referencing the ancient Greek and Roman art (Jackie, ThoughtCo). The architecture in specific caught my eye as a beautiful rebirth of Greek and Roman architecture. Some of the key aspects of ancient Greek and Roman architecture, drawn from ancient ruins, included symmetry, arches, columns, and proportion (Kljaich, Art200x).
Church of the Madeleine, France
The Church of Madeleine (Saint-Marie-Madeleine) was constructed in Paris, France and took from roughly 1777 to 1845 to finish. Its construction was stopped and started multiple times throughout the course of the French Revolution and the rise (and fall) of Napoleon. It's unknown who's specific designs contributed to the building of the church. During Napoleon's rule, he had planned to change the building from a church into a monumental building to honor himself and the soldiers who had fallen at his side (
Napolean.org) The idea was later abandoned and the construction of the church continued. The church features large arches and symmetry that aligns with their ancient influences. The church also kept Napoleon's wishes to honor those who were heroic, even if not to the same extent, as seen in the image above where the top of the building depicts a scene of brave warriors. In yet another way, aligning with the classical influences of the 1700s and Neoclassical Era.
Classic Bridge in the Chiswick Gardens, England
The bridge in the Chiswick Gardens was designed along with the Chiswick House in the early 1700's from 1726-1729. A large contributor to the garden and bridges design was William Kent. He designed gardens, designed architecture, and painted. The gardens were later redesigned in multiple ways by a few different people, depending on whom lived in the Chiswick House. Despite the numerous changes, the Classic Bridge in the gardens was left and is still one of the oldest structures of the property (
Design and Gardens). The main feature that stood out to me with this bridge was its use of the arch, and once again, symmetry. Unlike the buildings I included in the rest of this analysis, this bridge provides a beautiful example of how arches were more likely utilized. Symmetry is valued in the bridge's design with engravings and decorative features that mirror each other.
U.S. Capitol Building, Washington D.C., United States
The U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. Mark Reinstein/Corbis via Getty Images (cropped) Oversees, the United States was also drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman architecture. The Founding Fathers, following the American Revolution, wanted to incorporate the art and elements of ancient Greece into the designs of the Capitol Building. The design was decided on by the Founding Fathers in 1793. They also pulled a few elements, such as large pillars (columns), from the Romans to include in the design. The Romans influenced how the Founding Fathers would structure the United States government, so the classical influences went beyond just the arts.
The Capitol Building in D.C. was designed by Thomas Jefferson (one of the Founding Fathers). Jefferson had also designed Virginia's State Capitol building in 1788, so he drew some elements from his previously successful work (
ThoughtCo). Jefferson was inspired by the neoclassical elements, especially columns, arches, and symmetry. His designs were then collaborated upon and edited by multiple other architects, but Thomas Jefferson still remains one of the original and lesser credited architects of the Capitol building.
Sources:
Craven, Jackie. “What’s so New about Neoclassical?” ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo, 3 July 2019, www.thoughtco.com/is-neoclassical-architecture-the-new-classical-178159.
“Church of the Madeleine.” Napoleon.Org, www.napoleon.org/en/magazine/places/church-of-the-madeleine/. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.
“Design and Gardens.” Chiswick House & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2024, chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk/our-story/design-nature/.
“History and Culture.” Chiswick House & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2024, chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk/our-story/history-culture/.
Kljaich, Lisa. “Classical Influences and Architecture.” Art 200x, 5 June 2024, art200.community.uaf.edu/classical-influences-and-architecture/.
I personally found your blog’s discussion of Neoclassical architecture fascinating, especially how it highlights the symmetry, arches, and overall grandeur of structures like the Church of the Madeleine and the U.S. Capitol building. I really love how it connects architecture to deeper themes in history, such as heroism or order. I would have loved more reflection or visual analysis from a personal perspective instead of an analytical one. To add to your blog, it would be interesting to explore how Neoclassical architecture influenced later movements, such as Beaux-Arts or modern civic buildings. This could help deepen a viewer's understanding of the architecture.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading the part about the U.S. Capitol Building! You explained well how the founding fathers were inspired by Roman and Greek architecture to create a symbol of democracy. I found it interesting that Thomas Jefferson played a big role in the design. I also liked how you talked about symmetry. These make the building beautiful but also show the ideas of order and stability that were important to the country at its start. It got me thinking about how these design choices help create a sense of trust and strength in our government. I'm curious about your thoughts on whether the neoclassical style of the Capitol still influences modern government buildings today. Do you think this style is still important? Overall, your insights helped me learn a lot!
ReplyDeleteDuring the 1700s and early 1800s the Neoclassical movement brought back classical Greek and Roman elements with emphasis on symmetry and columns while maintaining proportion which can be observed in structures like the Church of Madeleine in Paris and the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. The architecture of these structures demonstrates a transformation in societal values that aimed to replicate the magnificence and philosophies of classical antiquity. Originally planned as a tribute to Napoleon, the Church of Madeleine transitioned into a place of worship while maintaining its Neoclassical elements that represent heroism. The Chiswick Bridge displays typical era characteristics through its elegant symmetrical design and arches while remaining modest in size. The U.S. Capitol adopted Neoclassical designs under Thomas Jefferson's influence and the Founding Fathers' respect for Roman governance to represent democratic values and civic ethics.
ReplyDeleteI find neoclassical architecture very interesting, especially, the Church of the Madeleine, the Chiswick Gardens Bridge, and the United States Capitol. It connects that architectural design with the historical context. I also liked that you added that personal touch. Highlighting what catches your attention in each example makes each analysis more interesting. I really liked your blog. In my opinion, architecture is the most attractive aspect of history. The design of each building makes it unique for its time.
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