What is the style of classicism in art. Classicism - architectural styles - design and architecture grow here - artichoke

Palace at Versailles.

The classicism style was formed in a number of Western European countries in the 17th century, and a little later - in Russia. The emergence of classicism is associated with the stages of the highest development of the monarchical system of these states, primarily absolutism in France.

Place des Stars in Paris is a unique square in world urban planning, crowned with the classic Arc de Triomphe.

Focus on ancient classics,

The driving principle of reason, the rationalism of the worldview, clearly expressed in the philosophical views of Rene Descartes, his research into the mathematical foundations of the construction of the world became the cornerstone of the ideology of the new style,

Regularity, clarity, logic, strict hierarchy and the beauty of craftsmanship, manifested in painting (N. Poussin, M. Losenko, J.-L. David), sculpture (M. Kozlovsky, J. Houdon), literature (J.B. Molière , R. Corneille, G. R. Derzhavin)

The architecture of classicism, once again (after the Renaissance), turning to the inexhaustible heritage of antiquity, fulfilled the social order of the monarchical state. Classical buildings and their ensembles were supposed to emphasize the logic and grandeur of the status quo. The works of classicism performed this work. But now, many years later, it has become completely obvious that the utilitarian ideological role of the art and architecture of classicism in terms of social propaganda is only a small part of the colossal historical and cultural potential of this style. The undeniable beauty and grandeur inherent in any work of classicism turned out to be those irreplaceable qualities that, one must assume, will remain reliable benchmarks for the development of civilization for a long time. It is not surprising that the most rapid modifications of the social structure in Western Europe and even more so in Russia they have always reckoned with the greatness and beauty of classicism. The most ardent critics of the dogma of classicism have still not found anything to replace classical education in art.

The textbook features of classicism architecture are a well-thought-out symmetrical composition, the measure of solemnity and grandeur of which is determined, in part, by the unchanged portico with a colonnade of the Greek or Roman order and a pediment with bas-reliefs. Typical details are accented stairs, classic antique decor, and in public buildings a dome. Against the background of the pastel-colored walls, the most important white elements of the building are clearly visible.

Queens House, Greenwich, architect Inigo Jones. The solemn calm of the classical composition with a clearly highlighted order element of the loggias.

View of Queens House from a distant viewing platform. Behind it are the buildings of the Naval Museum, closer to the Baroque, and even further away is London.

The first monuments of classicism were built in England. The outstanding architect I. Jones left us the Queens House in Greenwich (1635), the ensemble of Covent Garden Square in London (1630). These buildings amaze with their laconicism and cleanliness classical architecture, emphasized by the lack of decor. Majestic cathedral St. Paul's in London by the architect K. Wren shows some Baroque features, but the clear, expressive order composition of the cathedral is classical.

St. Paul's Cathedral in London. The symmetrical order composition is enlivened by two towers on the sides, typical of Baroque buildings. The classic two-tiered portico and dome dominate.

A stunning monument of classicism - Versailles (finished in 1708). This huge palace and park complex of the most powerful symmetrical composition has long become common noun, denoting a whole layer of images and phenomena that goes far beyond the architectural and historical framework. The architecture of the palace of J. A. Mansart and the park of A. Le Nôtre remains unsurpassed in beauty and grandeur to this day.

Versailles. The front yard of the palace and the square in front of it are clearly visible. The structure of the French regular park is clearly visible.

There are numerous urban planning ensembles and individual monuments of classical architecture in Paris. Truly imperial scope and academic excellence characterize the ensemble of the axis of the Champs Elysees - Tuileries - Louvre, outlined by A. Le Nôtre and realized later, in particular by J. A. Gabriel (Place de la Concorde). The author of the Invalides Hospital, Places Vendôme and Victoire (Victory) was J.A. Mansart. The silhouette of Paris is unthinkable without the majestic dome of the Pantheon, built by the architect J. Soufflot in 1780.

Place de la Concorde in Paris is a classic square, made according to a single urban planning project by J.A. Gabriel.

Place Vendôme. Paris.

Place Vendôme is a solemn order of the beauty of classicism.

Pantheon in Paris.

In the 18th century, classicism served new order- the strengthened bourgeoisie, the main driving force of those years. Ideas of rationalism, hierarchy, academic beauty were reflected in combination with skillfully used decor. Classicism reached the apogee of decoration and splendor in buildings of the 19th century, qualified by a separate style - Empire.

Formed later Western European classicism, the Russian style of this movement seemed to strive to compensate for its lateness on the stage with colossal ensembles and structures. The architecture of St. Petersburg and the ensembles of Moscow, created by famous Russian architects, whose socio-cultural significance and role far exceed their connection with the autocracy in Russia, are unprecedented in the scale of urban planning decisions.

Pashkov's house in Moscow.

The Pashkov House in Moscow, built by V.I. Bazhenov in 1786, perfectly combines the academicism of the classics, the rigor of the order system with the picturesque features of the Baroque. The architect M. Kazakov built, among dozens of other buildings, the Senate in the Kremlin (1787), the Golitsin Hospital (1801). The architecture of St. Petersburg was created by many architects, but the building of the Exchange (A. Thomas de Thomon, 1816) is of key importance to the ensembles. A.D. Zakharov), Kazan Cathedral (A. Voronikhin) and, of course, the ensembles of the Palace and Senate Square K. Rossi, masterpieces of Petrodvorets and Pavlovsk.

Senate building in the Kremlin.

Senate Square in winter.

Palace Square in St. Petersburg.

Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg.

The Exchange building in St. Petersburg.

Classicism is an artistic and architectural style that dominated Europe in the 17th-19th centuries. The same term served as the name for the aesthetic direction. The objects created during this period were intended to serve as examples of the ideal, “correct” style.

Classicism is based on the ideas of rationalism and adheres to certain canons, therefore almost all projects implemented in the era of classicism are characterized by harmony and logic.

Classicism in architecture

Classicism replaced Rococo, which was subject to public criticism for excessive complexity, pompousness, mannerism, and excess of decorative elements. At the same time, European society increasingly began to turn to the ideas of enlightenment, which was expressed in all aspects of activity, including architecture. The architects' attention was attracted by the simplicity, conciseness, clarity, calm and rigor characteristic of ancient architecture, primarily Greek. In fact, classicism became a natural result of the development of Renaissance architecture and its transformation.

The goal of all objects created in the classicism style is the desire for simplicity, rigor, and at the same time, harmony and perfection - which is why medieval masters often turned to monumental ancient architectural forms. Classical architecture is characterized by regularity of layout and clarity of forms. The basis of this style was the order of ancient times, in particular spatial compositions, restraint of decor, a planning system, according to which the buildings were located on wide straight streets, proportions and strict geometric shapes were observed.

The aesthetics of classicism were favorable for the creation of large-scale projects within entire cities. In Russia, many cities were replanned in accordance with the principles of classicist rationalism.

The tectonics of walls and vaults continued to influence the character of architecture. During the period of classicism, the vaults became flatter and a portico appeared. As for the walls, they began to be separated by cornices and pilasters. In the classic composition, following the composition of antiquity, symmetry prevails. The color scheme is predominantly light pastel tones, which serve to highlight the architectural elements.

The most large-scale projects of the late 18th and first centuries are associated with classicism. half of the 19th century c.: new cities, parks, resorts appear.

In the 20s of the 19th century, along with classicism, the eclectic style was popular, which at that time had a romantic overtones. In addition, classicism was diluted with elements of the Renaissance and (beaux-arts).

Development of classicism in the world

Classicism arose and developed under the influence of educational progressive trends in social thought. The key ideas were the ideas of patriotism and citizenship, as well as the idea of ​​the value of the human person. In antiquity, supporters of classicism found an example of the ideal government system and harmonious relationships between man and nature. Antiquity is perceived as a free era, when the individual developed spiritually and physically. From the point of view of classicists, it was an ideal time in history without social contradictions and social conflicts. Cultural monuments have also become role models.

Three stages in the development of classicism in the world can be distinguished:

• Early classicism (1760s - early 1780s).
• Strict classicism (mid-1780s - 1790s).
• Empire style

These periods are valid for both Europe and Russia, but Russian classicism can be considered a separate architectural movement. In fact, like European classicism, it became the opposite of baroque and quickly supplanted it. In parallel with classicism, there were other architectural (and cultural) movements: rococo, pseudo-gothic, sentimentalism.

It all started with the accession of Catherine the Great. Classicism harmoniously fit into the framework of strengthening the cult of statehood, when the priority of public duty over personal feelings was proclaimed. A little later, the ideas of the Enlightenment were reflected in the theory of classicism, so that the “class classicism” of the 17th century was transformed into “enlightenment classicism.” As a result, architectural ensembles appeared in the centers of Russian cities, in particular St. Petersburg, Tver, Kostroma, and Yaroslavl.

Features of classicism

Classicism is characterized by a desire for clarity, certainty, unambiguity, and logical consistency. Monumental structures of rectangular shapes predominate.

Another feature and fundamental task was to imitate nature, harmonious and at the same time modern. Beauty was understood as something born of nature and at the same time surpassing it. She must portray truth and virtue and engage in moral education.

Architecture and art are intended to promote personal development so that man becomes enlightened and civilized. The stronger the connection between various types arts, the more effective their action and the easier it is to achieve this goal.

Predominant colors: white, blue, as well as rich shades of green, pink, purple.

Following ancient architecture, classicism uses strict lines and smooth patterns; the elements are repeating and harmonious, and the shapes are clear and geometric. The main decorations are bas-reliefs in medallions, statues on roofs, rotundas. Antique ornaments were often present in the exterior. In general, the decor is restrained, without frills.

Representatives of classicism

Classicism has become one of the most widespread styles throughout the world. Throughout the entire period of its existence, many talented masters appeared, and it was created a large number of projects.

The main features of architectural classicism in Europe were formed thanks to the works of the Venetian master Palladio and his follower Scamozzi.

In Paris, one of the most influential architects of the classicism period was Jacques-Germain Soufflot - he was looking for optimal solutions for organizing space. Claude-Nicolas Ledoux anticipated many of the principles of modernism.

In general, the main features of classicism in France manifested themselves in such a style as the Empire style - the “imperial style”. This is the style of late classicism in architecture and art, which is also called high. It originated in France during the reign of Napoleon I and developed until the 30s of the 19th century. after which it was replaced by eclectic movements.

In Britain, the equivalent of the Empire style was the "Regency style" (in particular, John Nash made a major contribution). Inigo Jones, an architect, designer and artist, is considered one of the founders of the British architectural tradition.

The most characteristic interiors in the classicist style were designed by the Scot Robert Adam. He tried to abandon parts that did not perform a constructive function.

In Germany, thanks to Leo von Klenze and Karl Friedrich Schinkel, public buildings in the spirit of the Parthenon.

In Russia, Andrei Voronikhin and Andreyan Zakharov showed special skill.

Classicism in the interior

The requirements for an interior in the classicist style were actually the same as for architectural objects: monolithic structures, precise lines, conciseness and at the same time grace. The interior becomes lighter and more restrained, and the furniture becomes simpler and lighter. Egyptian, Greek or Roman motifs are often used.

Furniture from the Classical era was made from precious woods, great importance acquired a texture that began to perform a decorative function. Wooden carved inserts were often used as decoration. In general, the decor has become more restrained, but of higher quality and more expensive.

The shapes of objects are simplified, the lines become straight. In particular, the legs are straightened and the surfaces become simpler. Popular colors: mahogany plus light bronze finish. Chairs and armchairs are upholstered in fabrics with floral patterns.

Chandeliers and lamps are equipped with crystal pendants and are quite massive in design.

The interior also contains porcelain, mirrors in expensive frames, books, and paintings.

The colors of this style often have clear, almost primary yellows, blues, as well as purple and green tones, the latter being used with black and gray flowers, as well as with bronze and silver jewelry. White color is popular. Colored varnishes (white, green) are often used in combination with light gilding of individual parts.

Currently, the classicism style can be successfully used both in spacious halls and in small rooms, but it is desirable that they have high ceilings - then this method of decoration will have a greater effect.

Fabrics may also be suitable for such an interior - as a rule, these are bright, rich varieties of textiles, including tapestries, taffeta and velvet.

Architecture examples

Let's look at the most significant works of architects of the 18th century - this period marked the peak of the heyday of classicism as an architectural movement.

In Classical France, various public institutions were built, including business buildings, theaters, and commercial buildings. The largest building of those times was the Pantheon in Paris, created by Jacques-Germain Soufflot. Initially, the project was conceived as the Church of St. Genevieve, patroness of Paris, but in 1791 it was turned into the Pantheon - the burial place of great people of France. It became an example of architecture in the spirit of classicism. The Pantheon is a cruciform building with a grandiose dome and a drum surrounded by columns. Main facade decorated with a portico and pediment. The parts of the building are clearly demarcated; one can notice the transition from heavier to lighter forms. The interior is dominated by clear horizontal and vertical lines; the columns support the system of arches and vaults and at the same time create the perspective of the interior.

The Pantheon became a monument to enlightenment, reason and citizenship. Thus, the Pantheon became not only an architectural, but also an ideological embodiment of the era of classicism.

The 18th century was the heyday of English architecture. One of the most influential English architects of the time was Christopher Wren. His work combined functionality and aesthetics. He proposed his own plan for rebuilding downtown London when the fire of 1666 occurred; St. Paul's Cathedral also became one of his most ambitious projects, work on which lasted about 50 years.

St. Paul's Cathedral is located in the City - the business part of London - in one of the oldest areas, and is the largest Protestant temple. It has an elongated shape, like a Latin cross, but the main axis is located similar to the axes in Orthodox churches. The English clergy insisted that the building be based on a design typical of medieval churches in England. Wren himself wanted to create a structure closer to the forms of the Italian Renaissance.

The main attraction of the cathedral is its wooden dome covered with lead. Its lower part is surrounded by 32 Corinthian columns (height - 6 meters). At the top of the dome there is a lantern topped with a ball and a cross.

The portico, located on the western facade, has a height of 30 meters and is divided into two tiers with columns: six pairs of columns in the lower and four pairs in the upper. On the bas-relief you can see statues of the apostles Peter, Paul, James and the four evangelists. On the sides of the portico there are two bell towers: in the left tower there are 12, and in the right there is the “Great Floor” - the main bell of England (its weight is 16 tons) and a clock (the diameter of the dial is 15 meters). At the main entrance to the cathedral there is a monument to Anne, an English queen from a previous era. At her feet you can see allegorical figures of England, Ireland, France and America. The side doors are surrounded by five columns (which were not originally part of the architect's plan).

The scale of the cathedral is another distinctive feature: its length is almost 180 meters, the height from the floor to the dome inside the building is 68 meters, and the height of the cathedral with the cross is 120 meters.

The openwork grilles by Jean Tijou, made of wrought iron (late 17th century) and the carved wooden benches in the choir, which are considered the most valuable decoration of the cathedral, are still preserved.

As for the masters of Italy, one of them was the sculptor Antonio Canova. He performed his first works in the Rococo style. Then he began to study ancient literature and gradually became a supporter of classicism. The debut work was called Theseus and the Minotaur. The next work was the tombstone of Pope Clement XIV, which brought fame to the author and contributed to the establishment of the classicism style in sculpture. In the master’s later works one can observe not only an orientation towards antiquity, but also a search for beauty and harmony with nature, ideal forms. Canova actively borrowed mythological stories, creating portraits and tombstones. Among his most famous works are the statue of Perseus, several portraits of Napoleon, a portrait of George Washington, and the tombstones of Popes Clement XIII and Clement XIV. Canova's customers included popes, kings and wealthy collectors. From 1810 he served as director of the Academy of St. Luke in Rome. IN last years life master built his own museum in Possagno.

In Russia, the era of classicism was created by many talented architects - both Russian and those who came from abroad. Many foreign architects who worked in Russia were only able to fully demonstrate their talent here. Among them are the Italians Giacomo Quarenghi and Antonio Rinaldi, the Frenchman Wallen-Delamot and the Scotsman Charles Cameron. All of them mainly worked at the court in St. Petersburg and its environs. According to the designs of Charles Cameron, the Agate Rooms, Cold Baths and Cameron Gallery were built in Tsarskoye Selo. He proposed a number of interior solutions in which he used artificial marble, glass with foil, faience, and precious stones. One of his most famous works - the palace and park in Pavlovsk - was an attempt to combine the harmony of nature with the harmony of creativity. The main facade of the palace is decorated with galleries, columns, a loggia and a dome in the center. At the same time, the English park begins with an organized palace part with alleys, paths and sculptures and gradually turns into the forest.

If at the beginning of a new architectural period While the still unfamiliar style was represented predominantly by foreign masters, by the middle of the century original Russian architects appeared, such as Bazhenov, Kazakov, Starov and others. The works show a balance of classic Western forms and fusion with nature. In Russia, classicism went through several stages of development; its heyday occurred during the reign of Catherine II, who supported the ideas of the French Enlightenment.

The Academy of Arts is reviving the tradition of training its best students abroad. Thanks to this, it became possible not only to master the traditions architectural classics, but also to present Russian architects to foreign colleagues as equal partners.

This was a big step forward in the organization of systematic architectural education. Bazhenov got the opportunity to create Tsaritsyn’s buildings, as well as Pashkov’s house, which is still considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Moscow. A rational compositional solution is combined with exquisite details. The building stands on the top of a hill, its façade faces the Kremlin and the embankment.

St. Petersburg was more fertile ground for the emergence of new architectural ideas, tasks and principles. At the beginning of the 19th century, Zakharov, Voronikhin and Thomas de Thomon implemented a number of significant projects. The most famous building of Andrei Voronikhin is the Kazan Cathedral, which some call a copy of St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome, but in its plan and composition it is an original work.

Another organizing center of St. Petersburg was the Admiralty of the architect Adrian Zakharov. The main avenues of the city tend towards it, and the spire becomes one of the most important vertical landmarks. Despite the colossal length of the Admiralty facade, Zakharov brilliantly coped with the task of its rhythmic organization, avoiding monotony and repetition. The Exchange building, which Thomas de Thomon built on the spit of Vasilievsky Island, can be considered a solution difficult task– preserving the design of the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island, and at the same time being combined with the ensembles of previous eras.

Classicism - direction European culture late 17th - early 19th centuries. The name comes from the Latin word classicus, which means “exemplary”. Distinctive feature Classicism is considered a strictly developed system of artistic norms that had to be strictly observed; the manifestation of creative imagination was considered unacceptable. The ideas of classicism were present in all areas cultural life. Classicism in art, literature, painting, architecture, music was supposed to express universal harmony.

The basic principles of classicism were formulated in the treatise of Nicolas Boileau (France 1674). In it, he convincingly substantiated a number of artistic requirements that were presented to literary creativity. Dramatic works had to be kept in strict unity of place implies a fixed space where events take place, unity of time - a certain, limited time period, unity of action - one central plot line.

Also, according to F. Fenelon and M. V. Lomonosov, representatives of classicism in literature are obliged to observe a strict hierarchy of genres and styles. “High Calm” - sublime vocabulary, genres: odes, heroic poems. “Middle Calm” - elegies, satirical works, dramas. “Low Calm” - private and everyday life, genres: fables, comedies, letters. was prohibited. By the beginning of the 19th century, classicism began to be displaced from its pedestal by such styles as sentimentalism and romanticism. The pursuit of rigor and clarity has paused.

In Russia, classicism appeared only at the beginning of the 18th century. The impetus for its development was also the theory of Lomonosov’s “Three Calms” and Trediakovsky’s reform. The most famous representatives classicism in Russia: Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin (comedy), Antioch Dmitrievich Kantemir (satire), Gavriil Romanovich Derzhavin and Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov (ode), Ivan Ivanovich Khemnitser and Alexander Petrovich Sumarokov (fable). Central problem The society of that time had a problem with power, so Russian classicism has its own unique aspects in contrast to Western classicism. Since no emperor subsequently came to power legally, the problem of intrigue, palace coups, and the monarch’s discrepancy with the expectations of the courtiers and people was urgent. It is these problems that are reflected in Russian classicism.

Representatives of classicism in music, for example, Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, forever entered into world history. Their works became a guideline for the development of further musical composition. Musical works began to have a clearer structure, all parts of one work were balanced.

Classicism greatly influenced such a branch of culture as architecture. Antique forms were used, Greek and Roman motifs are visible. Pastel shades predominate. In Russia, the mixture of Russian Baroque is very noticeable. Representatives of classicism in Russian architecture: Kazakov, Eropkin, Zemtsov, Korobov, Rossi, Stasov, Montferrand.

As a rule, it emphasizes the smoothness of forms, and the main elements of form are line and light and shade. N. Poussin and C. Lorrain are recognized as one of the best painters. Poussin created masterpieces that depicted heroic deeds and subjects in a historical style. Lorrain, in turn, worked on landscapes where the connection between man and nature and the harmony of their interaction are noticeable. Representatives of classicism in Russian painting: the unsurpassed master of the subject A.P. Losenko, his students (I. A. Akimov, P. I. Sokolov and others).

A work of art, from the point of view of classicism, should be built on the basis of strict canons, thereby revealing the harmony and logic of the universe itself.

Of interest to classicism is only the eternal, the unchangeable - in each phenomenon it strives to recognize only essential, typological features, discarding random individual characteristics. The aesthetics of classicism attaches great importance to the social and educational function of art. Classicism takes many rules and canons from ancient art (Aristotle, Horace).

Directions of classicism in architecture: Palladianism, Empire style, Neo-Greek, “Regency style”.

The main feature of the architecture of classicism was the appeal to the forms of ancient architecture as a standard of harmony, simplicity, rigor, logical clarity and monumentality. The architecture of classicism as a whole is characterized by regularity of layout and clarity of volumetric form. The basis of the architectural language of classicism was the order, in proportions and forms close to antiquity. Classicism is characterized by symmetrical axial compositions, restraint of decorative decoration, and a regular city planning system.

The emergence of the classicism style

In 1755, Johann Joachim Winckelmann wrote in Dresden: “The only way for us to become great, and if possible inimitable, is to imitate the ancients.” This call to update modern Art, taking advantage of the beauty of antiquity, perceived as an ideal, found active support in European society. The progressive public saw in classicism a necessary contrast to court baroque. But the enlightened feudal lords did not reject imitation of ancient forms. The era of classicism coincided in time with the era of bourgeois revolutions - the English one in 1688, the French one 101 years later.

The architectural language of classicism was formulated at the end of the Renaissance by the great Venetian master Palladio and his follower Scamozzi.

The Venetians absolutized the principles of ancient temple architecture to such an extent that they even applied them in the construction of such private mansions as Villa Capra. Inigo Jones brought Palladianism north to England, where local Palladian architects followed Palladian principles with varying degrees of fidelity until the mid-18th century.

Historical characteristics of the classicism style

By that time, satiety with the “whipped cream” of the late Baroque and Rococo began to accumulate among the intellectuals of continental Europe.

Born of the Roman architects Bernini and Borromini, Baroque thinned out into Rococo, a predominantly chamber style with an emphasis on interior decoration and decorative arts. This aesthetics was of little use for solving large urban planning problems. Already under Louis XV (1715-74), urban planning ensembles were built in Paris in the “ancient Roman” style, such as the Place de la Concorde (architect Jacques-Ange Gabriel) and the Church of Saint-Sulpice, and under Louis XVI (1774-92) a similar “noble Laconism" is already becoming the main architectural direction.

From Rococo forms, initially marked by Roman influence, after the completion of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin in 1791, a sharp turn was made towards Greek forms. After the wars of liberation against Napoleon, this “Hellenism” found its masters in K.F. Schinkel and L. von Klenze. Facades, columns and triangular pediments became the architectural alphabet.

The desire to transform into modern construction the noble simplicity and calm grandeur of ancient art led to the desire to completely copy the ancient building. What F. Gilly left as a project for a monument to Frederick II, by order of Ludwig I of Bavaria, was carried out on the slopes of the Danube in Regensburg and received the name Walhalla (Walhalla “Chamber of the Dead”).

The most significant interiors in the classicist style were designed by the Scot Robert Adam, who returned to his homeland from Rome in 1758. He was greatly impressed by both the archaeological research of Italian scientists and the architectural fantasies of Piranesi. In Adam’s interpretation, classicism was a style hardly inferior to rococo in the sophistication of its interiors, which gained it popularity not only among democratically minded circles of society, but also among the aristocracy. Like his French colleagues, Adam preached a complete rejection of details devoid of constructive function.

The Frenchman Jacques-Germain Soufflot, during the construction of the Church of Sainte-Geneviève in Paris, demonstrated the ability of classicism to organize vast urban spaces. The massive grandeur of his designs foreshadowed the megalomania of the Napoleonic Empire style and late classicism. In Russia, Bazhenov moved in the same direction as Soufflot. The French Claude-Nicolas Ledoux and Etienne-Louis Boullé went even further towards developing a radical visionary style with an emphasis on abstract geometrization of forms. In revolutionary France, the ascetic civic pathos of their projects was of little demand; Ledoux's innovation was fully appreciated only by the modernists of the 20th century.

Architects Napoleonic France took inspiration from majestic images military glory left behind by imperial Rome, such as the triumphal arch of Septimius Severus and Trajan's Column. By order of Napoleon, these images were transferred to Paris in the form of the triumphal arch of Carrousel and the Vendôme Column. In relation to monuments of military greatness from the era of the Napoleonic wars, the term “imperial style” is used - Empire. In Russia, Carl Rossi, Andrei Voronikhin and Andreyan Zakharov proved themselves to be outstanding masters of the Empire style.

In Britain, the empire style corresponds to the so-called. "Regency style" ( largest representative- John Nash).

The aesthetics of classicism favored large-scale urban planning projects and led to the streamlining of urban development on the scale of entire cities.

In Russia, almost all provincial and many district cities were replanned in accordance with the principles of classicist rationalism. To authentic museums of classicism under open air cities such as St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Warsaw, Dublin, Edinburgh and a number of others have become. A single architectural language, dating back to Palladio, dominated throughout the entire space from Minusinsk to Philadelphia. Ordinary development was carried out in accordance with albums of standard projects.

In the period following Napoleonic wars, classicism had to get along with romantically colored eclecticism, in particular with the return of interest in the Middle Ages and the fashion for architectural neo-Gothic. In connection with Champollion's discoveries, Egyptian motifs are gaining popularity. Interest in ancient Roman architecture is replaced by reverence for everything ancient Greek (“neo-Greek”), which was especially pronounced in Germany and the USA. German architects Leo von Klenze and Karl Friedrich Schinkel built up, respectively, Munich and Berlin with grandiose museum and other public buildings in the spirit of the Parthenon.

In France, the purity of classicism is diluted with free borrowings from the architectural repertoire of the Renaissance and Baroque (see Beaux Arts).

The centers of construction in the classicist style were princely palaces- residences, particularly famous were the Marktplatz (shopping area) in Karlsruhe, Maximilianstadt and Ludwigstrasse in Munich, as well as construction in Darmstadt. The Prussian kings in Berlin and Potsdam built primarily in the classical style.

But palaces were no longer the main object of construction. Villas and country houses could no longer be distinguished from them. The scope of state construction included public buildings - theaters, museums, universities and libraries. To these were added buildings for social purposes - hospitals, homes for the blind and deaf-mute, as well as prisons and barracks. The picture was complemented by country estates of the aristocracy and bourgeoisie, town halls and residential buildings in cities and villages.

The construction of churches no longer played a primary role, but remarkable buildings were created in Karlsruhe, Darmstadt and Potsdam, although there was a debate about whether pagan architectural forms were suitable for a Christian monastery.

Construction features of the classicism style

After the collapse of the great historical styles that had survived centuries, in the 19th century. There is a clear acceleration in the process of architecture development. This becomes especially obvious if we compare the last century with the entire previous thousand-year development. If early medieval architecture and Gothic cover about five centuries, Renaissance and Baroque together - already only half of this period, then classicism took less than a century to take possession of Europe and penetrate overseas.

Characteristic features of the classicism style

With a change in the point of view on architecture, with the development of construction technology, and the emergence of new types of structures in the 19th century. There was also a significant shift in the center of the world development of architecture. In the foreground are countries that did not experience the highest stage of Baroque development. Classicism reaches its peak in France, Germany, England and Russia.

Classicism was an expression of philosophical rationalism. The concept of classicism was the use of ancient form-formation systems in architecture, which, however, were filled with new content. The aesthetics of simple ancient forms and a strict order were put in contrast to the randomness and laxity of architectural and artistic manifestations of the worldview.

Classicism stimulated archaeological research, which led to discoveries about advanced ancient civilizations. The results of archaeological expeditions, summarized in extensive scientific research, laid the theoretical foundations of the movement, whose participants believed ancient culture the pinnacle of perfection in the art of construction, an example of absolute and eternal beauty. The popularization of ancient forms was facilitated by numerous albums containing images of architectural monuments.

Types of classicism style buildings

The character of architecture in most cases remained dependent on the tectonics of the load-bearing wall and the vault, which became flatter. The portico becomes an important plastic element, while the walls outside and inside are divided by small pilasters and cornices. In the composition of the whole and details, volumes and plans, symmetry prevails.

The color scheme is characterized by light pastel colors. White color, as a rule, serves to identify architectural elements that are a symbol of active tectonics. The interior becomes lighter, more restrained, the furniture is simple and light, while the designers used Egyptian, Greek or Roman motifs.

The most significant urban planning concepts and their implementation in nature at the end of the 18th and first half of the 19th centuries are associated with classicism. During this period, new cities, parks, and resorts were founded.

Classicism gave the world the architecture of such cities as London, Paris, Venice and St. Petersburg. Classicism in architecture dominated for more than three hundred years, from the 16th to the 19th centuries, and it was loved for its harmony, simplicity, rigor and, at the same time, grace. Turning to the forms of ancient architecture, classicism in architecture is characterized by clear volumetric forms, symmetrical axial compositions, direct monumentality and spacious city planning system.

The origins of classicism in architecture, Italy

Classicism in architecture arose at the end of the Renaissance, in the 16th century, and the great Italian and Venetian architect Andrea Palladio is considered to be the father of this architectural style. As the writer Peter Weil said about Palladio in his book “Genius Loci”:

“Without going into architectural details, the easiest way is to conjure up Grand Theatre or the district House of Culture - they are such thanks to Palladio. And if we were to make a list of people through whose efforts the world - at least the world of the Hellenic-Christian tradition from California to Sakhalin - looks the way it does and not otherwise, Palladio would take first place.”

The city where Andrea Palladio lived and worked is Italian Vicenza, located in northeastern Italy near Venice. Now Vicenza is widely known in the world as the city of Palladio, who created many beautiful villas. In the second half of his life, the architect moved to Venice, where he designed and built remarkable churches, palazzos and other public buildings. Andrea Palladio was awarded the title of “the most prominent citizen of Venice.”

Cathedral of San Giorgio Mangiore, Andrea Palladio

Villa Rotonda, Andrea Palladio

Loggia del Capitagno, Andrea Palladio

Teatro Olimpico, Andrea Palladio and Vincenzo Scamozzi

Andrea Palladio's follower was his talented student Vincenzo Scamozzi, who, after the death of his teacher, completed work on the Teatro Olimpico.

Palladio's works and ideas in the field of architecture were loved by his contemporaries and were continued in the works of other architects of the 16th and 17th centuries. The architecture of classicism received the most powerful impetus in its development from England, Italy, France and Russia.

Further development of classicism

Classicism in England

Classicism literally swept into England, becoming the royal architectural style. A whole galaxy of the most talented architects in England at that time studied and continued the ideas of Palladio: Inigo Jones, Christopher Wren, Earl of Burlington, William Kent.

The English architect Inigo Jones, a fan of the works of Andrea Palladio, brought Palladio's architectural legacy to England in the 17th century. It is believed that Jones was one of the architects who laid the foundation for the English school of architecture.

Queens House, Greenwich, Inigo Jones

Banquet House, Inigo Jones

England was rich in architects who continued classicism - along with Jones, such masters as Christopher Wren, Lord Burlington and William Kent made a huge contribution to the architecture of England.

Sir Christopher Wren, an architect and professor of mathematics at Oxford, who rebuilt central London after the great fire of 1666, created the national English classicism "Wren classicism".

Royal Chelsea Hospital, Christopher Wren

Richard Boyle, Earl Architect of Burlington, philanthropist and patron of architects, poets and composers. The count-architect studied and collected the manuscripts of Andrea Palladio.

Burlington House, Earl Architect of Burlington

The English architect and gardener William Kent collaborated with the Earl of Burlington, for whom he designed gardens and furniture. In gardening he created the principle of harmony of form, landscape and nature.

palace complex in Golkhem

Classicism in French architecture

In France, classicism has been the dominant style since the Great french revolution, when the desire for brevity arises in architecture.

It is believed that the beginning of classicism in France was marked by the construction of the Church of Saint Genevieve in Paris , designed by the self-taught French architect Jacques Germain Soufflot in 1756, later called the Pantheon.

Temple of Saint Genevieve in Paris (Pantheon), Jacques Germain Soufflot

Classicism brought major changes to the city's planning system; winding medieval streets were replaced by majestic, spacious avenues and squares, at the intersection of which architectural monuments were located. At the end of the 18th century, a unified urban planning concept appeared in Paris. An example of the new urban planning concept of classicism was the Rue de Rivoli in Paris.

Rue de Rivoli in Paris

The architects of the imperial palace, prominent representatives of architectural classicism in France, were Charles Percier and Pierre Fontaine. Together they created a number of majestic architectural monuments - the Arc de Triomphe on Place Carrousel in honor of Napoleon's victory in the Battle of Austerlitz. They are responsible for the construction of one of the wings of the Louvre, the Marchand Pavilion. Charles Percier participated in the restoration of the Compiegne Palace, created the interiors of Malmaison, Saint-Cloud Castle and Fontainebleau Palace.

Arc de Triomphe in honor of Napoleon's victory at the Battle of Outerlitz, Charles Percier and Pierre Fontaine

Wing of the Louvre, Pavilion Marchand, Charles Percier and Pierre Fontaine

Classicism in Russia

In 1780, at the invitation of Catherine II, Giacomo Quaregi arrived in St. Petersburg as “Her Majesty’s Architect.” Giacomo himself was from Bergamo, Italy, studied architecture and painting, his teacher was the largest German painter era of classicism Anton Raphael Mengs.

Quarenghi is the author of several dozen beautiful buildings in St. Petersburg and its environs, including the English Palace in Peterhof, the pavilion in Tsarskoe Selo, the building of the Hermitage Theater, the Academy of Sciences, the Assignation Bank, the summer palace of Count Bezborodko, the Horse Guards Manege, the Catherine Institute of Noble Maidens and a lot others.

Alexander Palace, Giacomo Quarenghi

The most famous projects of Giacomo Quarenghi are the buildings of the Smolny Institute in St. Petersburg and the Alexander Palace in Tsarskoe Selo.

Smolny Institute, Giacomo Quarenghi

An admirer of the traditions of the Palladian and new Italian school of architecture, Quarenghi designed surprisingly elegant, noble and harmonious buildings. The city of St. Petersburg owes its beauty largely to the talent of Giacomo Quarega.

Russia of the 18th and 19th centuries was rich in talented architects who worked in the style of classicism along with Giacomo Quarenghi. In Moscow the most famous masters architecture were Vasily Bazhenov and Matvey Kazakov, and Ivan Starov in St. Petersburg.

Artist and architect, teacher, Vasily Bazhenov, a graduate of the Academy of Arts and a student of the French professor of architecture Charles Devailly, created projects for the Tsaritsyn Palace and Park Ensemble and the Grand Kremlin Palace, which remained unrealized because the architect fell out of favor with Catherine II. The facilities were completed by M. Kazakov.

Plan of the architectural ensemble of Tsaritsino, Vasily Bazhenov

Russian architect Matvey Kazakov, during the reign of Catherine the Great, worked in the center of Moscow in the Palladian style. His work includes such architectural ensembles as the Senate Palace in the Kremlin, Petrovsky Travel Palace, and the Great Tsaritsyn Palace.

Petrovsky Travel Palace, Matvey Kazakov

Tsaritsin Palace, Vasily Bazhenov and Matvey Kazakov

Academician of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences Ivan Starov is the author of such architectural structures, like the Trinity Cathedral in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, the St. Sophia Cathedral near Tsarskoe Selo, the Pellinsky Palace, the Tauride Palace and other beautiful buildings.