The architecture of the eighteenth century is extremely complex and diverse. Moreover, the architecture of this century has given the world several significant styles and magnificent works of art. Thus, in the second half of the eighteenth century, the neoclassical style was widely popular in Europe (Gontar, 2003). The effects of the Renaissance prompted a renewed interest in concepts such as antiquity, harmony, and simplicity. In this context, it becomes important to note the traditional architectural works of this style. The Church of Saint-Geneviève is a prime example of an eighteenth-century neoclassical building. In this style, its simplicity and a certain flatness are important. Thus, the Church of Saint-Geneviève and all the other works of this time are extremely simple. The projections, bas-reliefs, and forms are made more flatly than in the other styles of this century.
If neoclassicism in its works refers to the origins of ancient art, Romanticism reinterprets it. Romanticism in architecture meant the reinterpretation of medieval and ancient styles and their expression in new forms (Galitz, 2003). However, initially romanticism arose within the framework of the literature. Only closer to the 19th century, Romanticism began to manifest itself in architecture, continuing to refer to romantic poems and novels (Harris et al., 2015).
In this vein, it becomes important to note the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, England, created by John Nash (Partington, 2015). It is this work of architecture that expresses the whole meaning of the Romanticism of England of that era. Finally, the Brighton Pavilion has found its inspiration in the literary works of such writers as Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Beckford, and many others.
Finally, the Rococo style is some late variation of the Borocco and is similar in some details to it. The Rococo architectural style appeared in Europe in the eighteenth century, beginning in France during the regency of Philip of Orleans. This style contradicted the coldness and simplicity of neoclassicism. Moreover, Rococo tries to combine playfulness, lightness, and elegance in architecture. Finally, for Rococo, correctness and clarity of forms are unprincipled, as well as expediency and symmetry. Thus, despite the fact that Rococo is considered to be a continuation of Borocco, it still managed to become an independent style.
Works Cited
Harris, Dr. Beth, and Zucker, Dr. Steven. “A beginner’s guide to Romanticism.” Smarthistory, 2015. Web.
Galitz, Kathryn Calley. “Romanticism.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2004. Web.
Gontar, Cybele. “Neoclassicism.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2003. Web.
Partington, Michael, J. “John Nash, Royal Pavilion, Brighton.” Smarthistory, 2015. Web.