Differences between Neo-Classicism and Baroque

For some it was mass movement against frivolity ofrectangular, even open windows consisted with
baroque and rococo, for other excavation ofarchitraves springing the arch, supported by two
Herculaneum and Pompeii was an inspiration as muchcolumns each, rusticated arcades, blocked surrounded
as European publications about ancient world such aswindows or doors, pedimented with keystones in
‘The Ruins of Palmyra’ and ‘The Ruins ofcentral were common. It was the time in which
Baalbek’ written by J. Dawkins and R. Wood orbaroque was still obligatory style in Europe with its
‘The Antiquities of Athens’ by Stuart andmuscular facades because of King’s glory.
Revett, for example, or perhaps establishment newFirst European phase of Neoclassicism comes from
republics of France or America, for which universal,France again, where young students of Academie
classical and intellectual model of rules was required?Royale d’Architecture and L’Ecole des Arts
There is no synonymous answer but social, political aswere trained at the Academie de France in Rome as
cultural complexity of 18th century in particularwell, influenced by artist and communicator
countries had a reflection in main motivations ofCharles-Louisa Clerisseau and German antiquarian
neoclassical movement and next varieties ofscholar Joachima Winckelmana, after ruin of
neo-classical style.Herculaneum and Pompeii were discovered. Most of
Neoclassicism was present in each kind of art orartists include architects travelling to Rome and other
human activity on material and intellectual level, but oneancient places in Italy. In neighbourhoods classical ruin
the most spectacular discipline was architecture. Firstof temples or villas, they were studying ideas of
of all, because ancient Roman and Greek buildingsantique world and uncovering orders in ancient
were a sources of discovering classical form of ideal,architecture. First, French theorist and next architects
harmony and purity of contemporary artist. Secondly,developed the classical principle used by ancient
because of development of wealth of modern Europemasters known as primitive hut. It was simple structure
with growing consciousness of their citizens inin which horizontal lintels were supported by vertical
‘NEW’ countries in the whole world with newelements – columns. On top the lintels, sloping pieces
politicians visions, demanding many new types of publicwere formed the roof in pediment shape. Part of
buildings as town halls, offices, governments buildings,section of ‘primitive hut’ extended consisted
academic institutions, museums and also ‘new’architrave, frieze and cornice composed entablature
type of private objects like villas. As we could see,which was even essential for ancient buildings. Just, this
ancient world was not only inspiration for artists. It wassection of ancient buildings used by neoclassical
also a great example for big ideas of NEW WORLD.architects, was totally different from baroque
After, over one hundred years of French dominationconstructions. Columns in neoclassicism were used as
over entire Europe, where despotism was a rule, startconstruction elements of porticos, porticoes fronts as
of 18th century brought great social, political, cultural andpart of entablatures with decorative friezes or as a
industrial changes for Europe and further. Classicalpart of windows or doors to compare in baroque
ideas of purity and harmony, restrain and idealismversion in which it was only decorative element used
were ideal match up for demanding intellectualfor impression. Other important elements were
independent and enlightened people. Mostly, to describepediments and friezes, finished in carvings, classical
neoclassical movement in Europe we accept 1750key patterns or innovative by particular architects with
year as a beginning, but to discuss at least architecturehis own pattern-elements as medallions, scrolling
it is necessary to move back nearly 40 years earlierpatterns, abacus, and circular wreaths of flowers.
to England, where architect Lord Burlington wasSometimes reliefs were depending on type of building
studying Palladio’s plans, where in 1715 C.or particular purpose of commissioners (industrialists,
Campbell’s publication ‘Vitruvius Britannicus’bankers, academics or governments institutions) could
and G. Leoni’s edition of Palladio’s ‘Fourbe named as ‘new patronages’ next to still
Books’ determined English and later Europeanexisted royal’s or pope’s.
architecture forever. Palladio’s and others’ 17thAs main type of baroque buildings were palaces,
century architects such as I. Jones ideas werechateaus and hotels with heavy ornamented facades,
reflected in works of architects like Lord Burlington,distortion renaissance classical motifs created for glory,
who collaborated with William Kent, Colen Campbellreflected dynamism, got up anxiety, in Neoclassicism,
and later Robert Adam who was connected withvillas, town halls, museums or other educational buildings
main-stream of Neoclassicism. Palladio’s ‘Villawere created with restrain, put main emphasis for
Rotonda’ was a great inspiration for Burlington’snobility and taste. Friezes and roofs were finishes with
architecture and others. It represents pure style,balustrades, statues of humans and creatures or other
symmetrical plan, domed central hall, four porticosvery common shape of vase. Most popular order of
entrances with pediments supported by 6 Ioniccolumn was Ionic but Doric, Corinthian or mixed were
columns each, completed with 3 statues on the top.also used. Neoclassical interiors reflected same
Similar ideas of clarity, restrain and great taste couldclassical ideas of beauty and purity as ancient interiors
be recognised in works like Burlington House orbut with new demand for comfort, development of
Chiswick House Villa of Lord Burlington’s,civilization and personal interests. Similar like outside,
Mereworth Castle and Wanstead House of Coleninside the main elements were columns and number of
Campbell. Main principles were harmony and classicalsculptures which were situated on pedestals or in
proportion, lightness of facades and symmetry. Typicalniches.
elements were rustication of made facades, smoothRichness of most comfortable furniture, exclusive
and roughly textured with impression of solidity,porcelain homewares from Sevres or Wedgwood
porticos, and roof balustrades, in most cases, finishesmanufactures, strong coloured walls always tastefully
by statues. Facades were created with mathematicalpainted and ornamented ceilings were not only
precision, with great taste, always dividedcharacteristics of neoclassical interiors but were also
symmetrically by Ionic or Doric columns or pilasters.masterpieces designed and created by neoclassical
‘Palladian windows’ in which arched openingmasters.
part in centre was extended by two smaller