History of Architecture (AP313) | Term Paper | 2013

Similarities and Differences between Renaissance and Neoclassic Architectural styles

Term Paper for History of Architecture (AP131) Mishika Bablani
Roll Number: 26 Sushant School of Art and Architecture

ABSTRACT
Neoclassicism and the Renaissance are two major periods in the history of art during which different forms of art including architecture, painting, music and visual arts, significantly advanced. Both neoclassicism and renaissance were based on the ideology of revival of the classics but they had a very different approach to it. Renaissance architecture was based on antiquity. Renaissance architects based their theories and practices on Classical Roman and Greek examples. It was a revival of the Greek and Roman classics after gothic architecture. On the other hand, Neoclassicism (18th century) is based on archaeology. It was the beginning of the age of enlightenment. This style of architecture came up as people started becoming more aware of the things around them. Neoclassicism is based on the excavation of various ancient ruins, both Roman and Greek. These excavations made clear the distinct architectural styles of the Greek and the Romans. Neoclassic architecture had a more logic use of the Greek and Roman features. This term paper would discuss how Neoclassic architecture came up as a reaction against Rococo and Baroque. It would cover the various prominent features of this style of architecture. This paper would also give an answer to the question how Neoclassic architecture is different from Renaissance when they both evoked the same meaning - revival of the classics. This difference between the two styles would me made comparing the neoclassic buildings with renaissance buildings. Various features would be compared like the form of their plans, the style of windows, the ornamentations on the facades. The comparison would also be made in terms of their structures, the orientation of the structures, the various patterns observed in the plans. The works of various famous neoclassic architects like JacquesGermaine Soufflot , Robert Adam, Thomas Jefferson, William Kent, etc. would be also be discussed in the term paper. But the focus of the paper would be on the differences and similarities between Renaissance and Neoclassic style of architecture.

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History of Architecture (AP313) | Term Paper | 2013

PAPER Introduction
Neoclassic Architecture:
Neoclassicism was a European movement that dominated during the 18th century. Expressing the order and rationalism of the Age of Enlightenment, Neoclassical ideas influenced music, theatre, literature, visual arts and most importantly the architecture of that period. Since it was widely based on revival of Classicism1, the movement was named Neo-Classicism. Neoclassical did not particularly evolve in any particular nation, but the founders were France, England, Italy, Germany and Spain. Everything from villas, palaces, gardens, interiors and art began to be based on Roman and Greek themes. The people were becoming more aware of the things that were going on around them. Everything was being questioned. It was this during this time when neoclassical architecture came up with the ideology of honesty of architecture where what was seen was what was actually there. Neoclassical, or "new" classical, architecture describes buildings that are inspired by the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. This style was evolved as result to the archaeological excavations going on during that time. The figure 1 shows the Corinthian columns of the portico on The Pantheon, Paris. This neoclassical portico was inspired by the Roman ruins at Baalbek. This style was a reaction against the extremely ornamental Rococo and Baroque style of architecture. The first step in creating a Neoclassical building was to throw out the frivolous details of the preceding Baroque style and, instead, ensure that everything included have an essential function. For example, the columns regained their certain function as a supporting member. Exterior was built in such ways as to represent classical perfection. Decorations were reduced to a minimum on outside. There were often gardens around buildings completed in geometric patterns. A more realistic environment was Figure 2: Jacques-Louis David: The Oath of the built- one that does not consist of guessing what a building looks like, Horatii Ref:http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/his/CoreArt/art/neocl_ why it's there and how it is supported. The famous architects of this era are Jacque Germaine Suofflot, Thomas Jefferson, William Kent and Robert Adam. Artists of the neoclassical era replaced religious and mythological objects with realistic, simple, and bold ones. (Figure 2)
Classism: the following of ancient Greek or Roman principles and style in art and literature, generally associated with harmony, restraint, and adherence to recognized standards of form and craftsmanship, especially from the Renaissance to the 18th century.
1

Figure 1: The Pantheon, Paris

Ref: http://www.aviewoncities.com/paris/pantheon.htm

dav_oath.html

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History of Architecture (AP313) | Term Paper | 2013

Renaissance Architecture
Renaissance architecture that evolved in the late 14th century in Europe was also the revival of The Classical Order of Architecture i.e. the Greek and Roman Style of architecture. However it was based on a completely different ideology as compared to neoclassic architecture. Renaissance architecture was themed and inspired by Greek and Roman form of architecture. Developed first in Florence, with Filippo Brunelleschi as one of its innovators, the renaissance style quickly spread to other Italian cities and then to France, Germany, England and elsewhere. As in the classical period, proportion was found as the most important factor of beauty. Renaissance architects found a harmony between human proportions and buildings. This concern for proportion resulted in clear, easily comprehended space and mass, which distinguishes the Renaissance style from the more complex Gothic. Renaissance architects were not directly copying the classical order; they were reconstructing the various features as well. For example, Romans did not pay much attention to the dome. However renaissance architects innovated a structurally stronger and lighter dome. This style of architecture was based on the classical antiquity. Leon Battista Albertis Ten Books on Architecture, inspired by Vitruvius, became a bible of Renaissance architecture. The famous architects who practised this style are Filippo Brunelleschi, Donato Bramte, and Michelangelo Buonarroti.

SIMILARITIES STYLES

BETWEEN

RENAISSANCE

AND

NEOCLASSICAL

As discussed above, neoclassical and renaissance are the styles known for bringing the classical order of architecture back. The former was a revival of Greek and roman architecture after the Rococo and Baroque period and the latter was a revival of the classics after the Gothic styles of architecture. As both the styles, Neoclassic and Renaissance were the rebirth of Greek and Roman Form of architecture, a lot of similarity can be seen in their architectural elements. The following elements were the key characteristics Neoclassic as well as the Renaissance buildings: Symmetry in plan Use of classical Greek and Roman columns i.e. Doric, Ionic and Corinthian A portico in front of the building A dome on the roof Triangular pediment

These features were seen in almost all the types of buildings, from churches to residential to state buildings as well. Both Neoclassic and Renaissance were based on the principle of symmetry. This was very clearly reflected in their plans as well as the elevations of the buildings. Symmetry was the key element used in both Neoclassic as well as Renaissance architecture. All the buildings of these periods

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History of Architecture (AP313) | Term Paper | 2013

were marked by the colonnaded portico in front. The classical Roman and Greek columns were used to support the portico. The columns used were of Doric, Ionic and Corinthian order. (Figure 3, 4) The roofs were kept flat with a dome on top. In Neoclassic and Renaissance styles of architecture the ancient orders were analysed and reconstructed to serve new purpose.

Triangular pediment Classical columns

Figure 3: White House by Neoclassical Style

Ref: http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government/executive-branch

Figure 4: Villa Rotunda by Andrea Palladio Renaissance style

Ref:http://architecture.about.com/od/periodsstyles/ig/His toricStyles/Renaissance.htm

Another feature which is similar in both the styles-neoclassical and Renaissance -are the symmetrical arrangement of doors and windows. In terms of their structure, classical Greek order was used i.e. the post and lintel system ( trabeate order ). The similarities in Neoclassical and Renaissance style of architecture are shown through examples of various buildings by the end of this paper.

DIFFERENCES ARCHITECTURE

BETWEEN

NEOCLASSICAL

AND

RENAISSANCE

Although Neoclassical and Renaissance architecture began with the same idea of revival of the classics, both styles of architecture had a very different approach to it. Renaissance architects based their theories and practices on Classical Greek and Roman examples. Although both neoclassical and renaissance evoked the same purpose, they were evolved from very different paths.

Evolution:
Neoclassic architecture evolved out of excavations that were being done in pompiie and Herculaneum. It came up as a reaction against the extravagant, highly ornamented rococo and baroque style of architecture. There was a growing desire to return to the simple, yet elegant classicism of architecture and remove the rich and frivolous Rococo and Baroque styles of architecture. It was a result of the

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History of Architecture (AP313) | Term Paper | 2013

French Revolution-AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT. Neoclassic is a direct translation of Greek and roman styles of architecture. ON THE CONTRARY, Renaissance architecture was based on the theme on Greek and Roman architecture. It started as a reaction against Gothic architecture in the late 14th century.in this period the revival of the classics were done based on the writings and theories written by the Roman and Greek architects.

Architectural features:
Symmetry was a prominent feature of both Neoclassic. But it was executed differently in both the styles. Neoclassic buildings have rectangular symmetry whereas square symmetry was mostly observed in renaissance architecture. Neoclasists gave more value to formal elements of line and form over colour as by Renaissance architects. Renaissance buildings used Tuscan columns which were not seen in the neoclassic buildings Renaissance buildings had pilasters which are absent in most of the neoclassical buildings as pilasters were seen as faults which disobey the concept of neoclassic honesty of architecture. Another important difference in these styles was that in neoclassic function was given priority to the aesthetics. On the contrary in renaissance the aesthetic value of the structure was more important than the function. Plane facades are seen in neoclassical whereas renaissance facades were highly carved and decorated with motifs, etc. In Neoclassic period the circles started converting into ovals in some of the buildings and in order to give a more symmetric look to the buildings the circles were shifted inside the buildings in contrast to the renaissance buildings where circular apses jutted out of the exterior walls.

Interiors:
In Neoclassic buildings the interiors were kept simple and elegant. Very less decoration was done which is completely in contrast to the Renaissance building interiors. Instead of arches (as seen in Renaissance) Corinthian columns were used in the interiors to span the structure.

The following examples show the comparison between different typologies of buildings of the Neoclassic and Renaissance architecture:

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History of Architecture (AP313) | Term Paper | 2013

Comparison between Temple Architecture of Neoclassic and Renaissance

St. Peters Rome
(Reniassance-1626)

Pantheon, Paris
(Neoclassic 1758-1790)

Figure 5: Plan- St. Peters Rome

Ref: http://www.oberlin.edu/images/artime14.html

Figure 6: Plan- Pantheon, Paris

Ref: http://www.answers.com/topic/jacques-germain-soufflot

EXTERIOR WALL

Differences:
The semi-circular apses jutted out of the exterior wall in renaissance buildings which were taken inside the exterior wall in the neoclassical churches which in turn contributed to a pure symmetrical square form. The crucified plan form seen in St peters Rome cannot be seen in the neoclassic Pantheon, Paris The circular dome was shifted from an edge (towards the apse) as in St. Peters church to the centre of the church as in the Pantheon.

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History of Architecture (AP313) | Term Paper | 2013

Figure 7: Interiors of the Partheon, Paris

Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pantheon_wider_centered.jpg

Figure 8: Interiors of St. Peters Cathedral, Rome

Ref: http://chapel.myweb.uga.edu/images/paintingbig.jpg

As can be seen from Figure 7 and 8, Corinthian columns were used for separating the nave from the aisles in Partheon, Paris whereas in St. Peters round arches were used.

Another difference which can be seen in both the buildings is the dome (Figure 9, 10).The neoclassic dome is simple, devoid of any decorations. Whereas the St. Peters dome has sculpturic decorations with blue tiles. The same can be seen in the pictures below.

Figure 9: Pantheon, Paris

Ref:http://www.dudziak.com/picture.php/paris_pant heon_capital_dome7847

Figure 10: St. Peters, Rome

Ref:http://whatacupoftea.blogspot.in/2011/04/romevacation-st-peters-basilica.html

Similarities:
The domes used were constructed in a similar manner with the concept of a dome on a drum. The domes have a lantern on top for the light to come in. The roman Corinthian columns were used in the front portico.

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History of Architecture (AP313) | Term Paper | 2013

Comparison between residential architecture of Neoclassic and Renaissance:

Villa Rotonda by Andrea Palladio
(Renaissance-1550)

Monticello, US by Thomas Jefferson

(Neoclassical 1794-1826)

Figure 11: Plan

Ref:http://italyfromtheinside.com/wpcontent/uploads/Villa-La-Rotonda-plan.jpg

Figure 12: Plan

Ref:http://www.pitt.edu/~tokerism/0040/ren2.html

Differences:
The symmetry in the plan shifted from square symmetry in Renaissance to rectangular symmetry in Neoclassic period as can be seen by the plans above. Villa Rotunda- a late Renaissance villa- has a square plan. On the contrary the Monticello-a neoclassic building- has a rectangular yet symmetric plan. The function became prior to form in Neoclassic. This can be seen by the above plans. Villa Rotonda has four accesses to maintain the symmetry. Whereas in neoclassic villa Monticello two accesses are present The interiors of the neoclassic Monticello are very simple, painted in pastel colours with very less decorations (Figure 13). On the other hand, the interiors of the Villa Rotonda are extensively decorated in the classical roman style with mosaics and frescos (Figure 14). The contrast in the interiors can be seen clearly in the pictures below.

Figure 13: Interiors of the Monticello

archive.html

Ref:http://mrsblandings.blogspot.in/2008_02_01_

Figure 14: Interiors of the Villa Rotonda

Ref:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Palladio_Rotonda _interior.jpg

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History of Architecture (AP313) | Term Paper | 2013

The dome at the Monticello had the circular neoclassical windows which were absent in the Renaissance Villa Rotonda.

Figure 15: Section of Monticello

Ref:http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/habs _haer/hhmap12.html

Figure 16: Section of Villa Rotonda

Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PalladioRotondaPlan.jpg

Figure 15 and 16 show the difference in the proportions of the domes used in the neoclassic villa as compared to the renaissance Villa Rotonda.

Similarities:
The basic Roman and Greek features can be seen in both the buildings such as the triangular pediment, presence of Palladian windows. Both the buildings have used ionic columns for the front portico. Both Villa Rotonda and the Neoclassic Monticello have a hipped roof which was an uncommon feature of the Neoclassic period.

Figure 17: Monticello, US

Ref: http://architecture.about.com/od/houses/ig/AmericanMansions/Monticello.htm

Figure 18: Villa Rotonda, Italy

Ref: http://sambrannen.com/fun/italy/verona.html

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History of Architecture (AP313) | Term Paper | 2013

Figure 19: Monticello (Thomas Jefferson), US

Ref: http://www.onesweetwedding.com/listings/421Thomas-Jefferson-s-Monticello

Figure 20: Villa Rotonda (Andrea Palladio, Italy

Ref: http://arth335001.blogspot.in/2010/04/palladiovilla-la-rotonda-vicenza-begun.html

Hipped roof in Monticello, US and Villa Rotonda, Italy

CONCLUSION:
The neoclassic and renaissance architecture came up on the same concept of reviving the classical Greek and Roman Styles. But they were based on completely different ideologies. From the above examples it can be seen that for the Neoclasists function became the most important element of a building. The high ornamentation seen in Renaissance was left behind in order to have a simpler yet elegant manner of revival of the classics. The meaning of symmetry changed in the neoclassic. In renaissance elements were added only to enhance the aesthetic character of a building. Beauty was all that mattered. Whereas in neoclassic this symmetry existed in relation to the function. For example, the columns were seen as supporting structures and not just as decorative members. Another major difference between the neoclassic and Renaissance buildings was the level of ornamentation. Renaissance buildings were highly ornate using coloured tiles and marbles whereas neoclassic buildings had minimal ornamentation. The basic elements of the Roman and Greek styles like symmetry, pediments, domes, the order of the columns were used in both neoclassic as well as renaissance but these were taken up differently in both the periods.

Bibliography
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History of Architecture (AP313) | Term Paper | 2013

5. Watkin, David. A History of Western Architecture. london : s.n., 1996. 1856690822. 6. archiseek. archiseek.com. [Online] [Cited: 7 10 2013.] http://archiseek.com/2009/1764-pantheonparis/%20-%20.Ulaz91CnqYd. 7. Bussagli, Marco. Understanding Architecture:Styles and structures from. 2005.

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