Growth of European States and Neo Classical Architecture - HSTARC2

Does the name Newton, Voltaire or Diderot ring a bell? Well they are icons of knowledge and enlightenment of that time. They are the products of this growth. The growth of European states did not just come out of nowhere, it emerged from a series of events which led to the growth and change of the people. 

 For a brief history of how the growth of European States started, here is how it goes. We all know that in Europe there were two powers that hold everything. The first one is the Monarchy, mainly the royalties, kings and queens, and the other was Religion, which was signified by the church. During these times, the monarchy and religion is one of the same. The kings and queens hold religion such as religion hold the monarchy. However, what use was this monarchy and religion hold if they lost one big factor, the people. 

King Louis XVI

During the time of King Louis XVI, there were a lot of controversies and failures in his leadership. The people had the feeling of being stagnant and were dissatisfied with the leadership of the monarchy. Thus this led to a revolution and execution of King Louis XVI, which ended the reign of the monarchy. On the other hand, after this happened, the people were enlightened and had their use of the knowledge. The characteristics of being open minded was explored when they were given freedom. A sense of equality grew and opportunities were everywhere. And there the growth of European states started, with knowledge and enlightenment improvements were evident.

 

 18th Century Germany Kant "Enlightenment is man's emergence from his nonage." Man has failed to reach his majority not through lack of intelligence but from lack of determination and courage to use that intelligence without another's guidance. Dare to know! Have courage to use your own intelligence.

From the growth of the European states, a style emerged from the people. This is the Neo Classical Architecture. 

          “Neo classicism artists do not make dreary reproductions of their creations- be it arts, sculpture or poetry but makes something new and innovative every time. More than just creating something entirely new, neoclassicism is a natural expression of a culture with all its elements and the finesse with which an artist regains the lost elements that might have slipped into the oblivion is what makes a neo classic artist successful and popular.”

Prado Museum, Madrid

Neo classism was referred to as the antidote to progress and often also called as “Louis XVI style” since it came forth during and after his reign. Neo classism aimed to regain for art and design a purity of form and expression which felt like lacking in the Rococo style. They rejected the spirited and rich ornament of Baroque style. Neo classism believed that the golden age of progress and knowledge as from the age of Romans which ad peace, progression and harmony. Thus they return to it. Back to basics with purity and simplicity.

Madeleine, France

 Neoclassical structure are characterized by their walls rather than the decoration of it. Its emphasis is on the planar characteristics and the building itself is symmetrical.