Historical style in architecture examples. Carolingian style in architecture

Posted: April 17, 2007

So what is style? We often talk about lifestyle, styles in music, style of speech and style of communication. What is an architectural style? First of all, we give an exhaustive definition. Style is a set of sustainable art forms. Style is a derivative of the era. How many eras - so many styles.

Style can combine completely different objects: houses, furniture, dishes, paintings and even clothes. First of all, it is the style that dictates their shapes, outlines, colors, motifs. In other words, style makes things the way they are.

Style is very important, but it's not so much the style as the architect that gives the individual, unique features to your home. And, of course, not without your participation. Do you like not one, but several styles and you do not know which one to choose or take as a basis? No problem. A good architect is able to show you how the idea of ​​your house can be realized in each of them.

photo: © www.website, Lviv, St. Elizabeth Cathedral, cathedral, church, catholicism, catholic cathedral, gothic cathedral, gothic

To facilitate your conversations with architects, we invite you to familiarize yourself with the main styles that mankind has developed throughout history, and which you can now use. We will talk about the styles that somehow influenced modern architecture and are still reflected in it.

The emergence of architectural styles

At the origins of the emergence of architectural styles lies the irresistible desire of mankind for beauty. The formation of architectural styles has always been strongly influenced by religious beliefs, the style of thinking and government, national characteristics and the environment, nature. But above all, the development of architecture as an artistic phenomenon was facilitated by ... the growth of the technical capabilities of mankind. After new technologies appeared, the prerequisites for a new architectural style arose, and with it the appearance of temples changed, public buildings and private houses. But, as a rule, the new style was not an absolute negation of the past, it inherited some of its features, at the same time giving rise to forms of art that had never existed before. Only in recent history mankind, a number of architectural styles arise, which were a complete denial of the previous millennium artistic heritage, old rules and methods of architecture.

Antiquity

However, the Greeks alone were destined to play a decisive role in the development of the architectural styles of subsequent eras. Only their heritage has remained for centuries and has evolved up to the present day. Sometimes they forgot about it, sometimes they resolutely abandoned it, but it again and again rose from non-existence. What attracted, what attracted the art of Greece so much? Elegance and nobility of forms, thoughtfulness and refinement of all details, balance and calm grandeur. And at the same time - constructive simplicity.

The Greeks, who gave the world the beginning of many sciences, were the first to develop a harmonious theory of architecture. They put into practice the law of symmetry, which they never violated. Subsequently, in Europe, it will become the unshakable foundation of classicism.

attractive force Greek culture was such that Rome, having conquered Athens, found itself in the position of being conquered. But in architecture, the Romans do not copy the Greeks, although they imitate them. And how the Greeks were subtle artists so the Romans became practical builders. They create an architecture that, with its scope and colossal scale, was a manifestation of the power of their empire, its symbol.

Rome spreads its culture among the peoples it conquered, regardless of their national characteristics. But empires crumble, and what they have built becomes a monument and an example to follow. Rome fell under the blows of the barbarians, Byzantium became its successor... A whole era ended - the era of antiquity. But ancient art, many centuries later, has yet to be resurrected in the Renaissance in order to forever remain in the history and practice of mankind. You can still see Doric, Ionic and Corinthian style on many buildings today, and not only in Europe. If you are attracted to antiquity, classicism, transfer them to your own home.

Gothic

Now let's step with you into the next period of European history - the Middle Ages. To many people, it seems to be something gloomy and scary. But it was he who gave the world an amazing style - Gothic.

However, Gothic - from the point of view of modern art history - is the only European style, which has a completely original system of forms, a new understanding of the organization of space and volumetric composition. There is not a drop of imitation of anyone or anything in it - unlike the art of the Renaissance, which is nothing more than a return to antiquity. Gothic has developed as a religious art, Christian in spirit and theme. It was correlated with eternity, with higher, irrational forces. A special place in Gothic art was occupied by the cathedral - an example of a special synthesis of architecture, sculpture, painting (stained glass) and music. The vertical and dynamic aspiration of its towers and vaults, the rows of slender pillars created the impression of an unstoppable upward movement, which was intensified by the powerful rise of pointed lancet arches.

The inner space of the cathedral was illuminated by the multi-colored radiance of stained-glass windows, which created a special, mysterious and at the same time unusually joyful atmosphere. All this had a strong emotional impact on a person, urging him to aspire to the highest and beautiful. (see section Gothic in pictures)

Baroque

Now let's turn to the next (after the Renaissance of antiquity) bright style that left a tangible mark on the history of mankind - baroque. Intricate expressiveness and outward showiness ensured the baroque supremacy over other styles of European culture for more than a century - from the end of the 16th century to the end of the 16th century. before mid-eighteenth V. This style is characterized by luxury, splendor, decorativeness, the desire for grandeur and splendor, that is, everything that makes a strong impression on a person strikes his imagination.

In the architecture of facades, horizontal straight lines almost disappear, softly curved, smooth lines appear. The buildings seem to be cast from one gigantic block of stone and more sculpted than built. The recesses gracefully flow into the protrusions and create the impression of one continuous, undulating and very plastic mass. The effect is enhanced by the abundance of decorative elements, made with great imagination and ingenuity. All this acquires amazing picturesqueness and dynamism and, as it were, flows into the surrounding space.

The Baroque buildings that we can see today are ancient palaces that have become mostly museums. In the Baroque style, almost no one is now building anywhere. But if you like this style, if you want to imitate the aristocracy of past centuries, and if you live a measured life that is alien to time pressure, then baroque can be your good friend. Your home will be a curiosity and will no doubt impress both its visitors and passers-by. (see section Baroque in paintings)

Classicism

Time passed, and gradually the baroque got tired of mankind. After a century of pomp and pretentiousness, there was a need for something more restrained, simple. The baroque was replaced by classicism, which in the second half XVIII century already dominated. Science and industry developed rapidly. Strong empires were formed in Europe. Order, rigor, sense of proportion, balance of classicism are more suitable in public affairs and are better absorbed by all sections of society than the preaching of sensuality and unbridled passions of the Baroque.

The architecture of classicism as a whole is characterized by a reasonable logic of planning and a rational geometry of a three-dimensional form. Classicism refers to the heritage of ancient architecture, creatively comprehends and applies its laws, especially the law of symmetry. However, the best architects of classicism cite rather than copy antiquity.

Over time, classicism is reborn into academic art, begins to dominate not only the architect, but also the customer. Classicism is gradually transforming into Empire, which has become the final phase of its existence. The cumbersome and heavy forms of the Empire, as well as the emergence of new trends in architecture, eventually led to the fact that classicism came down from its pedestal. But it will return in the second half of the 20th century, it will be creatively rethought and, once included in contemporary art, will again become desirable for a considerable part of humanity. (see section Classicism)

Empire

Empire style dominated architecture (and art in general) during the first three decades of XIX century. It was the last stage in the evolution of classicism in the history of Europe. Under the influence of the imperial spirit, classicism changed the elegant simplicity of forms to monumental expressiveness.

Just like classicism, Empire is guided by patterns ancient art. But he absorbs only some of its features, characteristic of the imperial ambitions of Rome, which needed visual illustrations of its power. The main elements of the Empire style: a monument, massive porticos, military emblems in the design of facades and interiors: military armor, laurel wreaths, eagles. Reflecting the Egyptian campaigns of Napoleon and the discovery ancient culture Egyptians, the Empire includes motifs consonant with it in its arsenal: massive geometric volumes, Egyptian ornament, stylized sphinxes.

Empire covers not only architecture. This style is used for painting ceilings and walls, dishes, furniture and other interior items. (see section Empire style)

Romanticism

In parallel with the Empire in the 19th century, romanticism exists and develops. He also had a tremendous influence on the development of modern architecture. This style is a denial of the grandiose-totalitarian empire style. Romanticism poeticizes folk architecture, as well as the art forms of earlier times. It carries the charm of hoary antiquity, shepherd's idyll, spicy exoticism.

Romanticism is close in spirit to all the well-known nowadays country style, with his praise folk life, faux chests, wicker furniture, and other cute antiques with an ecological touch.

But, perhaps, most of all, romanticism - that real, historically reliable romanticism - manifested itself in the creation of a special kind of garden and park ensembles. Characteristic for it is the disappearance of the boundary between nature and the artificial, planted, designed park. Artificial ponds, waterfalls, grottoes are arranged in the park, which create the impression of natural ones that have existed here since time immemorial. Romanticism has always been characterized by a variety of forms and creative freedom. Naturally, because it was an adequate response to the harsh monotony of the Empire style.

Modern

Since the middle of the 19th century, new trends in architecture have been traced. It becomes more independent of generally accepted norms and rules, of academicism with its strict principle of building only in this way and nothing else. This phenomenon became possible due to the fact that many wealthy people appeared in society. They were not associated with the highest aristocratic society, with its mannerisms and stereotypes. They ordered houses in the most incredible, often difficult to describe styles. It was a protest against the aristocracy.

Art Nouveau gave birth to a new principle of building design - from the inside out, which became fundamental in all architecture of the 20th century. From now on, the criterion of usefulness becomes the main one. It is rational functionality that now determines the space-planning solutions for buildings. The house, first of all, should be comfortable for a person, correspond to his lifestyle, hobbies, work, leisure.

Early Art Nouveau was an almost absolute denial of many, if not all, classical building principles. A characteristic feature of early modernism is the rejection of straight lines and angles in favor of more natural, fluid movement. curved lines. This style gives very strong and massive objects the appearance of fragility and airy lightness.

Modern architecture

Functionalism

The first in the ranks of modern architectural movements must be placed functionalism(V Soviet Russia it had a different name - constructivism). It arose in the early 1920s and carried away the architects of many countries of the world. They decided to implement the following principle: the aesthetic qualities of art should be entirely subordinated to the benefit to man.

Functionalism spread like Art Nouveau to the entire objective world - to furniture, clothes, and even to book graphics. He declared the contemporary state of architecture to be a deadly disease and denied any creative heritage of past eras. However, his goals were noble: to improve cities and improve people's lives, using the achievements scientific and technological progress. Functionalism is democratic, does not require large material costs and allows you to create "more living space for the same money."

Functionalism puts the human at the center of the design process. However, by no means a specific person, but a person in general, as a kind of biological and social being. The functional component of buildings should primarily be determined by the physiological and social needs of a person. Architects of this direction design houses in such a way as to provide people with the necessary conditions for comfortable living (or work).

The aesthetic postulates of functionalism are the ultimate simplification of forms, the rejection of decoration and the desire for minimal surface treatment. Very restrained functionalism applies to the introduction of color into architecture.

Functionalism- This is a movement to minimize literally everything that surrounds a person - from facades to interiors and clothing models. Adherents of functionalism were a kind of romantics - simplicity, usefulness and freedom from the legacy of the past. But, alas, rejecting the mandatory standards of classical architectural forms, functionalism comes to create its own very uniform artistic form. And the prescription of this form is offered (rather even imposed) in all cases, regardless of the diagnosis. The circle is complete, and the functionalists find themselves in the same trap from which they first escaped.

Brutalism and Hi-Tech

In the 50s, another trend in modern architecture was born in England - brutalism (from the English "brutal" - rough). In their works, brutalists strive to expose the structures from which the building is built, to maximally reveal deliberately simple, rough architectural masses.

Very common style recent decades 20th century has become hi-tech (high-tech). It's style high technology, sort of the opposite of brutalism. Brutalism can be called low-tech with sufficient accuracy, a stylization of low technologies. Unlike him, hi-tech is extremely neat, refined and sophisticated. It is primarily associated with an abundance of glass combined with metal structures. In the architectural composition of buildings, high-tech actively includes elements of their engineering equipment: air ducts, pipelines, ventilation shafts.

The appearance of a high-tech building acquires a "technotronic" look through the use of various kinds of accessories. The favorite metal of this style is aluminum. In interior design, it is often used in combination with wood. (See section. High-tech in painting And Hi-tech, minimalism and techno in the interior)

eclectic style interior, photo: © www.site

Postmodernism

Today, the architectural environment is dominated by a pluralism of ideas and opinions. None of the areas of architecture can be called a priority, not a single concept is put on a pedestal as true. The development of such views was facilitated by the movement of postmodernism. His philosophy proceeds from the premise that the orientation towards the artistic absolute provokes the reproduction of totalitarian consciousness in man and totalitarian structures in society, and therefore cannot be successfully used.

Architectural postmodernism revives the historical principles of constructing the composition of buildings (symmetry, perspective, proportionality), uses elements of all styles, applying the principles of high eclecticism. In addition, postmodernism is free to handle almost any kind of decor. Copying as such is simply excluded here. Several styles can be brought together and interpenetrate each other to form amazing and unique buildings.

In the architecture of the twentieth century, many other directions, movements and schools also arose and disappeared. Modernism, international style, historicism, structuralism ... At the same time, not all modern trends have a tangible impact on the design and appearance of private houses. And there's another reason why new architecture not too widespread: the customer very often turns out to be unprepared for the perception of certain avant-garde ideas. It turns out that modern architecture - for all its wonderful simplicity - turns out to be elitist, sometimes to the extreme. As they say, class not mass. However, if you want to build a house in the style of brutalism or hi-tech, then is it really necessary to deny yourself this, looking back at neighbors or friends who prefer something more traditional? (see section architecture in painting)

Completion of the plan

If you have not yet decided which of the directions in architecture to give preference to, then at your disposal are many books, magazines, catalogs, hundreds and even thousands of photographs that can help you find the right artistic direction. Take a look at the illustrated albums on architecture. The choice of style does not mean that your house should be a copy of one of the buildings of the ancient era or the past XX century. It will be just a quotation of this or that style, its modern and personified refraction. If you find it difficult to define and choose an architectural style, then at least find those houses that you simply like. Make bookmarks on your favorite photos. Let them be many. Take them with you to your meeting with the architect. This would be a good conversation starter.

As a result of painstaking and fascinating reflections on the functional and artistic side of your future home, you must form a task for the architect. The more details and details of your idea you give to the architect, the better, more accurately and faster he will be able to realize it. Any architect will be very glad that you came ideologically prepared and not empty-handed. You may even be able to achieve better financial conditions for yourself - thanks to the fact that you speak the same language, and the architect will spend less time on your project.

Style in art is a multifaceted concept. Can you talk about style? individual work or genre, about the individual style of an individual author, as well as about the style of entire eras: the style of the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Classicism.

Artistic style is a universal concept. It extends to all types of art of this era, manifests itself in architecture, sculpture, painting, arts and crafts, music and theatrical art.

The word "style" comes from Greek word stylos is the name of a stick for writing on wax. Every era writes its own history. Possessing its figurative system, therefore, we can say that style is the handwriting of time in a given place at a given hour. Styles, like people, have several ages: infancy, maturity and old age, but for each style these periods have different durations. Thus, style is a living, changing concept.

Each style is generated by a certain era and with it develops and dies or passes into another style.

Architectural style is a combination of the main features and characteristics of the architecture of a given time, given people. Architecture is characterized by stylistic unity.

Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Classicism, Art Nouveau, Constructivism - each of these styles is expressed in all three aspects: functional, constructive and artistic.

To give an idea of ​​a particular architectural style, it is necessary to characterize it from all three sides included in the Vitruvian formula.

Thus, functionality is expressed in the fact that new types of structures appear when they are needed. This may be due to the political structure of the country, its social structure, the level of technological progress, living conditions, religion, and traditions. In ancient Rome, grandiose public baths were built. In the Middle Ages they were no longer erected. On the other hand, the construction of castles and monasteries acquired an unprecedented scale.

The second side of architecture - constructive - is also inextricably linked with style. For example, the use of "Roman concrete" opened up the possibility of building large-span structures and vaulted ceilings for ancient Roman architects. This is how aqueducts, huge circuses (Coliseums), theaters, baths, basilicas, numerous triumphal arches appeared.

The aesthetic side of architecture in everyday life is defined by the word "beautiful".

The development and change of architectural styles are inextricably linked with history. Change of eras always entailed a change of style.

Thus, the formation of style is a very complex and lengthy process. The style in terms of duration of existence most often coincides with the historical era or with the history of a civilization or people. In the history of mankind there was no architectural style whose monuments could not be seen or even touched today.

Three sides of architecture

architecture is special kind human activity, the purpose of which is to create a habitat. Therefore, architecture is called the “second nature”, which a person creates around himself. Even in ancient times, the formula of architecture was found - the so-called Vitruvius formula:

Architecture = utility + strength + beauty.

Vitruvius identified three aspects of architecture: functional, technical and aesthetic, linking them into a single whole.

The functional side of the architecture speaks of the "necessity" of the building. A building is created only when it is necessary for a person. Architecture is the construction (of a residential building, places of worship and public buildings, entire cities). Therefore, for the whole purpose, the following types of architecture are distinguished:

• housing (houses, chambers, huts);
• religious (churches, cathedrals, churches);
• public (museums, railway stations, stadiums, schools, shops, theaters);
• industrial (plants, factories, dams, power plants, combines);
• landscape gardening (gazebos, pavilions, fountains, garden, park planning);
• memorial (triumphal arches, obelisks, panorama buildings, crypts);
• urban planning (architectural ensembles, city planning, car roads, bridges, tunnels).

The technical side of architecture is responsible for the structure - the "skeleton" of the building, its strength, durability, stability.

Over the centuries-old history of architecture, two constructive systems have been created: post-beam and arch-vaulted.

In the rack-beam system, the racks (supports) carry the entire weight of the structure, the horizontal beams block the space between them. Due to the limited length of a stone or wooden beam, the rooms in ancient Greek buildings were small in size.

In the arched-vaulted structure, the racks also bear the weight. But the space between the uprights is covered by arches, which allows you to push the uprights over long distances. Buildings are getting bigger. The vaults put pressure on the supports so that they can overturn, break, because in addition to the vertical they generate horizontal pressure. This thrust limits the size of buildings. To prevent overturning of pillars in the Middle Ages, during the construction of huge Gothic temples, the walls were supported by external pillars and arches.

The aesthetic (artistic) side makes architecture one of the art forms. They call it frozen music. Vitruvius believed. That the building should be not only necessary and durable, but also necessarily beautiful, “pleasant, elegant, impeccable” and “pretty”. The appearance of the building and interior design the premises reflect the artistic tastes of the architect and society. For creating artistic image architecture uses three means: three-dimensional composition, the main and secondary elements of the structure.

Any building has a volume and occupies a certain place in space. Considering it from this point of view, we are talking about a three-dimensional composition, for example: the arch of the General Staff Building with its two wings was the compositional completion Palace Square; Peter and Paul Cathedral, thanks to the precise calculation of the architect Trezzini, became the dominant feature of St. Petersburg.

The main elements of the structure include its main volumes, their grouping, proportions. Approaching the building, we see other elements of the structure that distinguish it from others. So, we will never confuse the facades of the Winter Palace and the House of the Book, even if these buildings are not shown to us in their entirety, but only their fragments. Secondary elements help us to recognize buildings: columns, pilasters, cornices, architraves, balconies, sculpture and other decorative details. They complement and complete the main compositional volumes. The means of creating an artistic image in architecture are not only the main, but also minor details in themselves, but also their ratio.

Style classification

Each era has its own ideas about the world around it, its own vision of beauty and harmony. The historically established set of creative principles, the nature and characteristics of the expression of the most significant features of the material and spiritual culture created by society is defined as the style of a given era.

The word "style" (Latin stilus) comes from the name ancient instrument for writing: style, or stylo, - a pointed rod made of bone, metal, wood, with which they wrote (scratched) the text on a wax tablet or on birch bark. Style is determined by a change in lifestyle, the development of society; it is generated by a certain era and dies off, being replaced by a new set of stable forms. Style rarely exists in pure form: old and new always coexist in it.

For over a century now, the following generally accepted classification of styles has existed:

• Egyptian style - 5000-1000 AD BC.
• antiquity - 3000 BC - 400 AD;
• Romanesque style - 10-12 centuries;
• Gothic - 12th-16th centuries;
• Renaissance (Renaissance) - 15th-16th centuries;
• baroque, rococo - 17-18 centuries;
• classicism - 18-19 centuries;
• modern - late 19th century - the beginning of the 20th century;
• rationalism - 20th century

Each style has its own characteristics. Consider several architectural styles: Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance (Renaissance), Baroque, Rococo.

Roman style

In the 11th-13th centuries, a new architectural style developed in Europe. Some of its features were borrowed from the Romans, so the style was called Romanesque. The main type of Romanesque building is the basilica. The buildings were elongated, their interior space divided by rows of columns into several naves. During the Romanesque period, arches were often used. They were used both inside buildings to cover the naves, and outside to create decorative arcature elements. In different parts of Europe, buildings of this style differed from each other in national color. Even artistic directions: Saxon and Rhine schools in Germany Burgundian, Aquitaine, Provencal - in France. In Burgundy - the central region of France - the influence of the Roman church was especially strong. In France and Italy, arches were also used in the design of facades. They were distinguished by the richness of decorative decoration; oriental motifs are clearly traced in them. In some basilicas, arcade elements rush upwards, as if moving into the Gothic style. Such is the Trinity Church in Cannes, built in 1070.

Characteristic features of the Romanesque style:

• colors: brown, red, green, white;
• lines: straight, horizontal and vertical, semicircular.
• shapes: rectangular, cylindrical;
• structures: stone, massive, thick-walled; wooden plastered with a visible skeleton;
• windows: rectangular, small, in stone houses - arched.
• doors: plank, rectangular with massive hinges, a lock and a deadbolt;
• interior elements: semicircular frieze, repeating geometric or floral ornament; halls with exposed ceiling beams and pillars in the center.

Gothic style

Gothic style richer and more complex than Romanesque, and the system of Gothic plots is much wider, more harmonious and logical: it reflected all medieval performances about the world. “This makes a person especially acutely feel the height of the columns and walls compared to their size,” wrote A.G. Tsires. high altitude gives an unusual look to the entire interior, emphasizes the symbolic and artistic value top and overhead lighting and indirectly recalls the sky playing such important role in the religious worldview of medieval Europe.

Characteristic features of the Gothic style

• colors: yellow, red, blue;
• lines: lancet forming a vault of two intersecting arcs;
• shape: rectangular building; lancet arches turning into pillars;
• constructions: frame, openwork, stone; elongated lancet arches; underlined skeleton structures;
• windows: elongated, often with multi-colored stained-glass windows; round decorative buildings on top of the building;
• doors: lancet ribbed arches of doorways; oak paneled doors;
• interior elements: a fan vault with supports or a coffered ceiling and wooden panels on the walls; complex leafy ornament; halls are high, narrow and long or wide with supports in the center.

Gothic style is most common in Spain, Germany, England, France.

Gothic in Spain

Spanish Gothic began to take shape around XIII century. Its development proceeded unevenly due to the fragmentation of the kingdom and influence in various historical areas. local traditions or the impact of the art of the Arabs. The style manifested itself exclusively in temple architecture. In Spain, the spread of new architectural ideas was slow. The Cistercians introduced a number of Gothic techniques: this manifested itself in the form of arches and ribs of the vault, and in the very use of lancet arches. Moorish techniques also left their mark on the interpretation of the Gothic system of the rib frame: the vault above the crossroads rests on cross-shaped arches, in the space between them an eight-pointed openwork star is placed. The influence of Arab art was most clearly manifested in the brick cathedrals built by Muslim craftsmen. The first Spanish churches to repeat the scale of French Gothic cathedrals were the cathedrals in Burgos and Toledo (begun in 1226). Spanish Gothic is characterized by free fantasy deviations from a single constructive design of the building and numerous additions to the original plan in the form of many chapels and outbuildings. The most important feature of the Spanish Gothic monuments is the continuation of the choir from east to west, from the apse to the middle of the central nave. The choir was separated by a high decorated partition, behind which was placed the main chapel, also enclosed by a wall. In the chapel, the altar was fenced off from the space behind the altar by a high, richly decorated retablo. All this turned the chapel into an independent church inside the cathedral.

Gothic in Germany

In the XII - XIV centuries. Germany was going through a period feudal fragmentation. The centers of Gothic art here were town halls and city cathedrals. Gothic became widespread in Germany in the first half of the 13th century. German Gothic cathedrals differed from French ones. In an effort to convey the desire as vividly as possible human soul to heaven, the architects increased the height of the vaults, crowning them with turrets with spiers. The western facades of cathedrals with one or two high slender towers. However, outdoor semi-arches (flying buttresses) and rose windows were rarely used here.

monuments gothic architecture Germany are cathedrals in Marburg, Naumburg, Freiburg, Ulm and other cities. The most famous Gothic cathedral in Germany - Cologne The construction of the cathedral began in 1248 and ended in the XIV century. The towers of the cathedral were built in the 19th century. The 46 m high building is decorated with many arches, spiers, openwork carvings, lancet arches. The magnificent sculpture of the cathedral moved from the outer walls into the inner space of the temple. It is rhythmically connected with architecture, but not with its rocky mass, but with the curves of vaults and arches. The statues themselves also have characteristic curves in the form of the letter S. The sculpture of the Cologne Cathedral is original, unique, extremely emotional, dramatic.

Gothic in England

Gothic architecture in England began to develop in the XII century. and was mainly associated with monasteries. Famous cathedrals of England: Canterbury Cathedral - the residence of the head of the English Church; cathedrals in Lincoln, Wales, Salisbury.

A characteristic feature of English Gothic cathedrals is the presence of two transepts (transverse naves), one of which is shorter than the other. English cathedrals are of considerable length: they were built in an open area and had the opportunity to rush not only up, but also to the sides. English Gothic is characterized by stretched facades, various vestibules, far-reaching transepts, rectangular apses, huge (up to 135 m high) towers above the baptismal, relatively small height central nave (in relation to the side ones). Erecting cathedrals more and more elongated in length, English architects supplied them with lancet arches, repeated many times in the windows, and with the same abundance of vertical wall sashes. The leading role in English Gothic was played by decorative elements, for example, the use of color contrasts between various breeds stone. The famous cathedral at Salisbury, in southern England, was built in the 12th century. Hundreds of medieval masons and carpenters worked wonders to create this beautiful building. The cathedral stands on the foundation of only one meter, because under it lies a powerful natural foundation - a layer of silicon gravel. It took another 33 years to complete the main building, and the cathedral was completed in 1258. A settlement grew up around the cathedral, called New Sarum and today known to us as the city of Salisbury. Between 1285 and 1315 a tower and spire were added to the cathedral. 6500 tons of stone were used for the construction. From such a huge load, four pillars supporting the tower and spire caved in, and to redistribute the weight, buttresses and flying buttresses were used.

Gothic in France

Gothic art originated in the French province of Ile de France, the center of royal possessions. One of the masterpieces of French Gothic is the cathedral Notre Dame of Paris, the famous Parisian Notre Dame. The cathedral was built on the site of a Christian basilica. Its construction began in 1163 during the activity of Bishop Maurice de Sully, and ended in 1345 in the 14th century. Notre Dame is a grandiose three-aisled basilica that can accommodate about 9,000 people at the same time. The length of the basilica is 129, it has 5 longitudinal naves. 3 portal entrances lead to the temple, framed by arches extending into the depths; above them are niches with statues - the so-called "royal gallery", images of biblical kings and French kings, a total of 28 figures. The center of the western facade is decorated with a rose window, about 10 m in diameter, and windows under lancet arches stretched upwards above the side portals. No less famous cathedral in France is the Cathedral in Chartres. It is famous for its stained-glass windows, which occupied an area of ​​more than 2.5 thousand square meters. km. In 1194, the cathedral almost completely burned down, only the "royal portal" and the foundations of the towers were preserved. The building was later rebuilt. An example of "mature Gothic" was the famous French cathedral in Reims.

Gothic in Russia

In the Middle Ages, Gothic was practically unknown in Russia. True, a certain similarity with European Gothic can be seen in the architecture of the walls and towers of the Moscow Kremlin. Gothic architecture penetrated Russia only in the Neo-Gothic era, that is, in late XVIII century.

According to Starov's project, a wonderful landscape park was created in Taitsy with various architectural structures, of which the Gothic gates, consisting of two symmetrical gatehouse pavilions connected by a lancet arch, have survived to this day.

In Pushkin, in the Alexander Park, there is a very beautiful building of the Gothic style - the Chapelle Tower. The pavilion consists of two square towers with a wide arch between them. The tower was built according to the project of the architect A. Menelas in 1825 - 1828. Previously, in the windows of Chapelle there were stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes, and the daylight penetrating through the colored glass illuminated the interior with a ghostly shimmer, the figures of angels at the base of the vaults and the white marble statue of Christ. But, unfortunately, these sculptures have not survived to our time. The Chapelle building is monumental and has the appearance of genuine Gothic ruins.

Renaissance

The Renaissance is a return in architecture to the principles and forms of ancient, predominantly Roman art. Of particular importance in this direction is given to symmetry, proportion, geometry and the order of the components, as clearly evidenced by the surviving examples of Roman architecture. The complex proportion of medieval buildings is replaced by an orderly arrangement of columns, pilasters and lintels, asymmetrical outlines are replaced by a semicircle of an arch, a hemisphere of a dome, niches, and aedicules. An example of this style is Chambord Castle in France. 1519-1547

Characteristic features of the Renaissance style

• colors: purple, blue, yellow, brown:
• lines: semicircular;
• geometric patterns - circle, square, cross, octagon;
• shape: round or sloping roof with tower superstructures;
• arched galleries, colonnades; round, ribbed domes; high and spacious halls, bay windows;
• structures: massive and visually stable;
• windows: rectangular with a heavy cornice and frieze, round, semicircular arched, often paired and even triple;
• doors: the device of portals with a heavy cornice, frieze and columns; rectangular and semicircular arched entrance;
• interior elements: coffered ceiling; antique sculptures; leaf ornament; wall and ceiling painting.

Baroque

Baroque (barecco) in translation from Italian - "strange", "artsy", "bizarre", and translated from Portuguese - "pearl of irregular shape". This is a dynamic, affective style, which is dual theatrical, enchanting, striving for luxury. In the picture you can see the Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Petersburg, in the style of Peter the Great Baroque. Baroque assimilates and processes various artistic traditions including them in the development of national styles. Baroque art is characterized by grandiosity, pomp, pathetic elation, showiness, a combination of the illusory and the real, a strong contrast of scales and rhythms, materials and textures, light and shadow.

Rococo

Rococo is characterized by the most complex carved and stucco decorations, curls, masks-heads of cupids, etc.; in the decoration of the premises big role play reliefs and picturesque panels in fanciful frames, as well as numerous mirrors, enhancing the effect of light movement, as if penetrating the surface of the walls. The figure shows the Smolny Cathedral, built in St. Petersburg. The predominantly ornamental orientation of the Rococo style did not allow it to have a significant impact on the facades of buildings.

Characteristic features of baroque, rococo styles

• colors: muted pastel colors; red, pink, white, blue;
• lines: bizarre convex-concave asymmetric pattern;
• in the forms of a semicircle, rectangle, oval; vertical orientation of the columns; pronounced horizontal division;
• shape: vaulted, domed and rectangular: towers, balconies, bay windows;
• designs: contrasting, tense, dynamic; with an artsy facade - and at the same time massive, stable:
• windows: semi-circular and rectangular: with floral decor around the perimeter;
• doors: arched openings with columns; vegetable decor;
• interior elements: the desire for grandeur and splendor; massive front stairs; columns, pilasters, sculptures, carved ornament, interconnection of design elements.

Eclecticism

Eclecticism is an architectural trend based on the combination in one building of various forms of previous styles in different combinations. In Russia, it developed in the 1830s-1910s, changing a number of stages. New types of buildings appeared (banks, railway stations, people's houses, etc.), rational space-planning and engineering solutions. Eclecticism includes "brick style", "Russian style" and other artistic trends in architecture with elements borrowed from old styles. Eclecticism usually takes place during periods of decline in art. Elements of eclecticism are noticeable, for example, in late ancient Roman art, which combined forms borrowed from the art of Greece, Egypt, Western Asia, etc. Representatives of the Bologna school gravitated towards eclecticism, who believed that they could achieve perfection by combining the best, in their opinion, side of the creativity of the great masters of the Renaissance.

In the history of art, the most prominent place is occupied by the eclecticism of the architecture of the mid-second half of the 19th century, which made an extremely wide and often uncritically use of the forms of various historical styles(Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, etc.); it is characteristic, however, that this architectural and design eclecticism, with its "freedom of choice" of architectural and ornamental motifs, had a significant influence on the formation of a holistic in its essence, but nourished from a wide variety of sources, the "modern" style.

In the field visual arts eclecticism is most typical of salon art. Eclectic tendencies have become widespread in Western European and American culture from the middle of the 20th century in connection with the formation of postmodernism and the fashion for "retrospectivism" decoration copying certain stylistic trends of the past (including eclecticism of the 19th century).

neogothic

Originated in England in the 40s of the 18th century. Unlike the national trends of eclecticism, Neo-Gothic was in demand all over the world: it was in this style that Catholic cathedrals were built in New York and Melbourne, Sao Paulo and Calcutta, Manila and Guangzhou, Rybinsk and Kiev.

The most famous neo-Gothic building is the Palace of Westminster on the Thames.

The appearance of neo-Gothic in Russia is associated with the name of the architect Yuri Matveyevich (Georg Friedrich) Felten. Not far from St. Petersburg, according to his project, the neo-Gothic Chesme Palace (1774-1777) and the Chesme Church (1777-1780) were built.

Features of the Neo-Gothic style are also present in the royal residence at Tsaritsyn in Moscow. It was built by the architect Bazhenov. Samples of medieval Gothic in Russia can be seen in the Kaliningrad region (former East Prussia). A small number of buildings have survived in the Leningrad region. Most of all they can be found in Vyborg (the bank building on the market square, the market building, the church of Hyacinth (XVI century) in the old town, but most importantly - the only medieval castle in Russia (except for the Kaliningrad region), founded by the Swedes in 1293 .

Thus, from the above, we can conclude that over time the architecture has changed, leaving and improving the best that was in style decisions. The interweaving of mathematics and art creates the architectural music of European cities, and this fascinates our eyes to this day. The windows of these buildings look at us from the depths, striking and surprising with exquisite forms and strict mathematical calculations. The wind above the rooftops sounds like organ strings, turning architectural masterpieces into frozen music.

I live in an area of ​​new buildings, where the houses are monotonous and faceless, but we care about where to live, and the return to the architectural masterpieces of past centuries gives us hope that new architects will come who will create no less beautiful buildings, people will live in beautiful houses . After all, what we see around us affects our soul. We will live better if we are surrounded by the music of architecture.

The Gothic style is amazing, timeless and striking in its forms. In architecture, it is considered one of the most expressive styles invented by mankind. These are not only classical medieval religious buildings and castles, but also modern residential buildings. We offer an overview of the striking examples of world architecture in the Gothic style.

Gothic style has several forms, but they are all beautiful. Gothic of France, England and Italy cannot be compared, as it is unique. France is the country where he was born and acquired his soul. Churches of the 12th century and modern religious buildings were built in it. In this style, everything is perfect - from the form to the details.

St. Stephen's Cathedral was built in 1147 and is one of the most outstanding and beautiful structures made in the Gothic style. It was considered the mother church of Austrian Catholicism and the seat of the archbishop. The cathedral has stood the test of time and survived many historical events. The roof of the unique and most recognizable building in Vienna is covered with colorful tiles. Few people know that the north tower was mirror reflection southern. In 1511, a renaissance-style apex was added to the north tower, which the people of Vienna call the "water tower apex". During the Second World War, the bells of the cathedral, which were on the south tower, disappeared without a trace. The bells of the north tower have survived and are still in operation. The oldest part of the cathedral is considered to be the Roman tower and the "giant's gate".

Mir Castle is an impressive example of Gothic architecture of the 16th century. It is located in the Grodno region and is one of the most interesting tourist sites in Belarus. The three-storey Gothic castle was built by Count Ilyinich in the 1500s, and Nikolai Radzivil, the second owner of the castle, completed its construction in the Renaissance style. In the courtyard of the castle, near the northern walls, there are Italian gardens.

Mir Castle survived the destruction during the war with Napoleon. Nikolai Svyatopolk-Mirsky purchased the castle and began its reconstruction, which was completed by his son, who hired the architect Theodor Bourget. The Mirsky family owned the castle until 1939. Today it is a national cultural monument and is revered local residents and tourists.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp Roman Catholic Church, located in Antwerp, Belgium. Construction on the site of the former 9th-12th century chapel began in 1352 and continued until 1521. Today, the cathedral is considered the largest and most strikingly beautiful building in the Gothic style in the Netherlands and Belgium. In 1533, a fire broke out in it, and part of the cathedral was destroyed. Since 1559 it has been the residence of the archbishop. During the hostilities from the 1800s to the 1900s, the cathedral was damaged and restored several times, but neither fire nor war could destroy this majestic building, which became immortal. The last restoration of the monument of Gothic architecture began in 1965 and ended in 1993.

The construction of another masterpiece of Gothic architecture, Cologne Cathedral, began in 1248 and lasted until 1473, but was not completed, and continued into the 19th century. The cathedral, a symbol of the Roman Catholic Church and German Gothic architecture, is located in Cologne, Germany, is the seat of an archbishop and is among the world's listed monuments. cultural heritage.

It is the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe and the second tallest cathedral in the world. It has a lot of relics to look at. The cathedral was planned like the Cathedral of Our Lady of Amiens. It is based on a Latin cross and high Gothic vaults. You can admire stained glass windows, a high altar, original furniture - this cathedral is a real treasure.

Burgos Cathedral, a creation of the 13th century, is located in Spain, belongs to the Roman Catholic Church and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Construction and reconstruction lasted from the 13th to the 16th century, just then the elements in the Renaissance style appeared in the cathedral. In 1984 it was added to the World Cultural Heritage List. There are many historically and culturally valuable objects in the cathedral - from the statues of the 12 apostles to the Chapel of Relics and art objects, statues of angels, knights.

Located in Prague, St. Vitus Cathedral, a magnificent monument of Gothic architecture, in reality is much more beautiful than they talk about it. It is revered not only for its beauty, but also because it is considered the main religious building in the Czech Republic. It is also the largest in the country. The cathedral houses the tombs of Roman emperors and kings of Bohemia.

The architectural style that originated in medieval Europe is characterized by semicircular arches, which differ from Gothic lancet arches. Since examples of Romanesque architecture can be found throughout the European continent, this style is often regarded as the first pan-European architectural style since Roman times. In addition to semicircular arches, the direction is distinguished by massive forms, thick walls, strong supports, cross vaults and large towers. From the 6th to the 10th century, most churches and monasteries in Europe were built in this majestic style. We have selected for you 25 of the most breathtaking and impressive examples of Romanesque architecture that you simply must see!

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Gurk, Austria. 12th century

This basilica is considered one of the most important Romanesque buildings in the country. It has two towers, three apses, a crypt and galleries.

Notre Dame Cathedral, Tournai, Belgium. 17th century

Since 1936, it has been considered the main attraction and heritage of Wallonia. It is impossible not to note the heavy and serious character of the building, the Romanesque nave and the cluster of five bell towers and semicircular arches.

Rotunda of St. Longina, Prague. 12th century

Founded as a parish church in a small village near Prague, it was almost destroyed in the early 19th century but rebuilt later.

Cathedral of Saint Trophime, Arles, France. 15th century

One of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in France.

Saint-Savin-sur-Hartampes, France. Mid 11th century

The church, which was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1983, has a square tower and five ray chapels with a polygonal apse.

Bamberg Cathedral, Bamberg, Germany. 13th century

The church, founded in 1012 by Emperor Henry II, is known for its four imposing towers. The cathedral was partially destroyed by fire in 1081, but rebuilt by 1111.

Cathedral in Clonfert, Ireland. 12th century

The doorway of this cathedral is considered the crowning achievement of the Romanesque style. It is decorated with animal heads, leaves and human heads.

San Liberatore on Maiella, Abruzzo, Italy. 11th century

The facade of this abbey is an example of the Lombard-Romanesque architectural style.

Cathedral of Modena, Modena, Italy. 12th century

The cathedral is considered one of the most iconic Romanesque buildings in Europe and is a World Heritage Site.

Basilica of Saint Servatius, Maastricht, Netherlands. 11th century

The building is considered an example of various architectural styles, but predominantly Romanesque.

Doors of the cathedral in Gniezno, Poland. 12th century

Bronze doors are considered one of the most significant works of Romanesque art in Poland. They are decorated with bas-reliefs that show 18 scenes from the life of St. Wojciech.

Monastery of Peter and Paul, Kruszwica, Poland. 1120

This work of Romanesque art is built of sandstone and granite. It has a transept, a presbytery and an apse.

Andrew's Church, Krakow, Poland. 1079-1098 years

This church was created for defensive purposes. It is one of the few remaining examples of European fortified churches.

Lisbon Cathedral, Portugal. 1147

The oldest church in Lisbon, which is a mixture of different styles and is famous for its Romanesque iron gates.

Cathedral of Saint Martin, Slovakia. 13th-15th century

The largest and most interesting Romanesque cathedral in Slovakia. Inside it are marble tombstones, and the walls are painted with scenes from the coronation of Charles Robert of Anjou.

Basilica of San Isidro, Leon, Spain. 10th century

Among the most notable features of the building are the arches that cross the transept and the carved tympanum.

Lund Cathedral, Sweden. 1145

The Romanesque style is expressed here in the layout, crypt and arched galleries.

Grossmunster, Zurich, Switzerland. 1100-1120 years

Romanesque Protestant church. It has a large carved portal with medieval columns.

Durham Cathedral, England. 1093

The building is notable for its unusual nave roof vaults, transverse arches and massive columns.

Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. 15th-16th century

The ruined medieval fortress consists of three main wings set around a quadrangle and an unusual, intricate oak ceiling.

Cathedral of Salamanca, Spain. 1513-1733

Although the cathedral was rebuilt in the 17th century and became Gothic, it retained much of the Romanesque style.

Wanchock Abbey, Wonchock, Poland. 1179

The abbey is recognized as one of the most precious monuments of Romanesque architecture in Poland.

Cathedral in Porto, Portugal. 1737

This is one of the oldest cathedrals in the city. It is flanked by two square towers supported by buttresses and surmounted by a dome.

Santa Maria Maggiore, Veneto, Italy. 11th century

The interior of this cathedral is decorated with amazing mosaics from the 9th century.

Cathedral of San Nicola di Trullas, Italy. 1113

The cathedral was built as a village school and then became a monastery with cross vaults and frescoes.

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The appearance of buildings has changed significantly over the centuries due to technological progress, the needs of society and changing fashion. Here are the signs by which you can learn to distinguish main types of architectural styles.

Architectural styles - new and old

The appearance of a building is not always a reliable indicator of its age: architectural styles tend to respawn. It is of interest to identify the styles that influenced the architecture of later buildings. So, in the architecture of the White House in Washington, borrowings from the era of classicism are visible, and the Parliament buildings in London are the personification of Gothic fantasies.

Antiquity and Renaissance - architectural styles

A characteristic feature of the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome was the use of a system of orders, most recognizable by the style of the columns (see figure below). During the Renaissance, architecture, like all arts, turned to the principles of ancient Greece and Rome. Interest in classical proportions revived, and five orders again entered into practice. Ancient ideas were embodied in new elements based on more advanced technologies, such as a high dome (not known to the ancient Greeks). Architects, in particular Andrea Palladio (1508-1580), borrowed the idea of ​​an ancient temple with columns to decorate the facades of buildings. Both of these ideas were used by Christopher Wren (1632-1723) in the construction of St. Peter's Cathedral in London.

The most striking features medieval architecture show up in the windows. For example, if the cathedral has small, rounded windows at the top, pierced in thick walls - in continuation of the Roman tradition, then it is built in the Romanesque style. Such windows are the first attempt to let more light into massive buildings without violating their structural integrity.

Romanesque style smoothly turns into Gothic. Early Gothic windows are lancet in shape, reminiscent of the prow of a ship. Later, this design was improved: the size of the windows increased, they were decorated with openwork carvings, similar to exquisite lace woven from stone and glass. The same airy fragility can be found in other elements of the mature Gothic buildings: high roofs and graceful buttresses, like bulging ribs, as if only one frame remained of the building.

The Gothic style became popular again in the 18th-19th centuries, and its influence is especially evident in the architecture of public buildings, in particular museums and churches. This so-called Neo-Gothic style originated in Great Britain and then spread throughout the world.

Baroque and Rococo

The simple classical lines of the Renaissance gradually gave way to a more pompous and decorative style baroque, and the culmination of its development was the frivolous and frivolous rococo style. The first baroque buildings were commissioned by the Catholic Church at the end of the 16th century in Italy. Church and secular buildings were built in this style, including the royal palace of Versailles near Paris and the royal Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. A magnificent example of the late Baroque is the Protestant Frauenkirche in Dresden, Germany (photo below). It was built in 1726, destroyed by bombing in 1945, and rebuilt and reopened in 2005.

Modern (Art Nouveau)

This style originated in architecture at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The most notable feature is the fascination with stylized plant forms both outside and inside buildings: wrought iron balconies in the form of intricate ivy stems, undulating staircases and balustrades that curve like roots or branches with leaves, walls with curves, as if grown out of the earth, and not built according to strict blueprints. The Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926) decorated Barcelona with similar buildings, among them the unfinished Sagrada Familia.

art deco

Art Deco style originated in the early 1920s. His distinctive features- functional streamlined mechanical forms and strictly geometric patterns (remember the Empire State Building in New York). Art Deco architecture is characterized by the use of overtly industrial materials such as gleaming chrome, smooth, glossy enamel, and extensive glass surfaces.