The Palladian Architecture
The Palladian Architecture is an architectural style that was popular in Britain in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. This style was a result of aristocratic influence and a love for the ancient Greek and Roman architecture. It also found its way into the British colonies and was adopted by aristocratic families.
Aristocratic love of the Classics
One of the most enduring facets of English architecture is its adherence to Palladian aesthetics. As a result, it was not surprising that this style was the most popular and the most widely adopted amongst the echelons of English society. Although the Palladian aesthetic is not the most well rounded, the most impressive houses are still in tact and it is a testament to the foresight of their architects. The heyday of the 18th century was a golden age of building and restoring grandiose palaces and castles. For that matter, it was also a golden age of social interaction and the arts. It was not surprising, then, that the likes of aristocrats and echelons alike would aspire to the highest standards of decorum. In fact, it was a point of pride to be seen at the best house of honor in the kingdom. This was a time when the best was still best, and the best way to go was to have it. Hence, the aforementioned gents, and their entourage. A new exhibition aficionados is in the works.
Influences from ancient Greek and Roman style
Palladian architecture is a style of building inspired by the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. The style has been used in hundreds of buildings across the world. It is generally thought to be the most influential architectural movement of all time.
Palladian designs often included features such as symmetry and a sense of permanence. They also emphasized proportion and a classical sense of balance. Structures can be made of brick, stone, or other materials. Many feature domed ceilings, hipped roofs, and plaster decorations.
In the 18th century, Palladian architecture became popular in England, where it is still widely used. The style was developed by Robert Adam, a British architect who rejected slavish adherence to Roman proportions.
Thomas Jefferson, who was a proponent of Palladian architecture, influenced its popularity in the United States. His Monticello in Virginia was built with Palladian elements. He sought to create a new architectural style for the American Republic.
By the mid-18th century, Palladian architecture was being widely adapted in North America. This was due to the influence of Richard Boyle, Lord Burlington. As a patron of the arts, he was responsible for the widespread popularity of this style.
Palladian architecture was popular in the Indian subcontinent and in the British colonies of North America. During the 18th and 19th centuries, wealthy merchants and landed nobility competed to build lavish countryside estates.
Adopted in British colonies
Palladian architecture was used to emphasize power and prestige in the British colonies. Its classical features such as symmetry, proportion, and deliberation were adapted to fit the local environment. For example, in India, the style was used to divide elites from the commoners. The building of Palladian houses was particularly popular in British colonies in North America.
Palladio was a Venetian architect who was inspired by Greek and Roman architecture. His work was based on rules of perspective, symmetry, and proportion. He was also influenced by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio.
The style travelled from Italy to the UK during the eighteenth century. Lord Wellesley, the governor general of the Indian colonies in 1798, initiated a building programme that was aimed at constructing a’manifesto’ of colonial power. Using Palladian principles, Wellesley’s architects sought to create a building style that would be both iconic and influential.
When he left, his successors continued to build on his Palladian designs in Calcutta. Lord Wellesley’s Government House in Calcutta was the most important building in his Palladian-building plan. However, many other buildings were constructed as well.
A number of English Palladian houses were built, which became symbolic centres of the oligarchy’s dominance. These buildings were not only weekend retreats but a means of segregating British elites from the commoners.