The architecture eclectic it was a trend of this type of artistic expression especially popular during the 19th and 20th centuries. The main characteristic of this trend was that it had elements of different styles. The reason is that the exponents of eclectic art did not cling to fixed rules or patterns; that is why it was considered a heterogeneous style.
In the mid-nineteenth century, eclecticism experienced its most important architectural moment. Its impact was much stronger on the European continent, although it was in Russia (a transcontinental nation because it is part of Asia and Europe) where the clearest examples of this style were created..
It has been determined that the first works were built in France. One of the objectives of the eclectic architects was to be able to build works with more creativity by not following pre-established patterns.
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Before eclecticism became a trend, architects of the time worked according to the norms of the neoclassical movement. During the first half of the 19th century there was no consensus on the style of construction and they were guided by Roman or Greek parameters..
The architects began to experiment with the mixture of many of the existing styles, with characteristics typical of other movements such as the Baroque, the Oriental or with Hellenistic details. This combination gave rise to eclecticism as a trend in the mid-19th century..
Eclectic architecture was characterized by not following patterns, but rather mixed ideas. However, as time went by, the different exponents of this trend were showing common ground. For example, the works were built prioritizing more modern materials, although without forgetting elements such as stone or wood.
In addition, eclecticism was defined as a movement. The works also began to be defined taking into account the function they had to fulfill.
The most significant element of eclectic architecture is that it brings together two or more artistic movements in a single construction. This factor has made it a very difficult trend to distinguish because it developed in very varied contexts in each country and therefore there are more differences than similarities.
One way to combine styles was to use designs and ideas from old works, but with modern tools and materials. This showed the great impact that the Industrial Revolution had in all aspects.
Although eclectic architecture was experienced with greater intensity in Europe, the American continent also presented works of this artistic trend. Russia, France and Germany were some of the countries where the influence of this style was experienced with greater force.
France was a pioneer, even a reference for the training of architects under the ideas of eclecticism. The School of Fine Arts in Paris played a fundamental role in the development of this style.
In Europe, eclectic features began to be seen to a greater extent in government buildings. While in the United States it gained popularity in the late 19th century.
Richard Morris or Charles Follen were some of the exponents who were in charge of bringing eclectic ideas to America. Both were formed in Paris and began the transformation of churches, public buildings and even cinemas thanks to the ideas of eclecticism..
There were many exponents of eclectic architecture. Each one also stood out for different reasons, since each country had its own characteristics or regionalisms in the buildings that were built during this time..
For example, Karl Friedrich Schinkel was very important in Germany, specifically in the Berlin area. He had several stages, first a trip to Italy influenced him towards a style and then he traveled to England where he experimented with new ideas.
Also they were Leo von Klenze or Gottfried Semper. The former was very influential in Munich and played a fundamental role in urban design.
For his part, Semper was an architect of German origin who went out of the mold by stating that decorations were the most relevant part of a work.
His contribution at the bibliographic level was very important. The Englishman was the author of The seven lamps of architecture, book that was published in 1849. It was totally contrary to the ideas of the French Eugene-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc.
His most important role was as an art critic. Thanks to that he managed to influence many of the constructions and works of the time.
The French stood out more for his work as a restorer. In this sense, he managed to work on buildings of great importance such as La Santa Capilla and the Cathedral of Our Lady, better known as Notre-Dame..
The eclectic constructions were used with all kinds of motifs. From government buildings, religious buildings or private residences.
Construction began at the end of the 19th century and the works lasted about 20 years. It is one of the most important theaters in the world. It was a work of two architects of Italian origin and a Belgian: Tamburini, Meano and Formal.
It has influence from Italy and France. Some spaces have characteristics of the Renaissance style, like the main hall that also combines details of the Baroque period.
The work was completed in the late 19th century and took almost two decades to build. It integrates neoclassical and neo-baroque elements. It inspired similar buildings in other parts of the world, such as Peru or during Nazism in Germany.
It took more than 20 years to finish this work. The Italian Guglielmo Calderini mixed characteristics of the Baroque period with Renaissance details.
It is one of the most important examples of eclectic architecture in private buildings. It was a mansion that was built during the second decade of the 20th century in the city of Thessaloniki where this artistic trend was very common..
It combined characteristics of Baroque architecture, Modernism and Renaissance architects.
Around the 30s of the 20th century, eclectic architecture was losing importance. The education of the time no longer took into account the ideas of this movement and attention was diverted to modernism..
The emergence of modernism as a new trend was stronger because it was considered something totally new and innovative. Unlike eclectic architecture that copied many things from ancient periods.
In addition, the appearance of new construction materials and new techniques accelerated this change even more..
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