Architectural Influence Essay Research Paper The Elizabethan

Architectural Influence Essay, Research Paper

The Elizabethan Age was an innovative and unique period in history. In this

period architecture was more than a profession, it was an art, and an influence on the

people. Architects in this period made historical differences, the styles of architecture

transitioned greatness, and the homes created an individual standing. Elizabethan

architecture was an influential “trend” in which the “competition” for social division

began, and architects attempted to replicate Italian Renaissance architecture.

Architects of the Elizabethan Era were somewhat of a new thing. Sculptors

introduced Renaissance forms early in the fifteenth century. Three Florentines, who

were originally trained as goldsmiths, made crucial innovations to the Renaissance art

(Beck 3). The eldest of the three Florentines eventually became an architect. Filippo

Brunelleschi, the eldest, developed linear perspective, which is an important prospect of

architecture today. Filippo designed the spacious octagonal dome of Florence

Cathedral. This building was considered one of the most impressive engineering and

artistic feats since Roman times (Beck 3). Because of this attainment, Filippo was

considered the first true Renaissance builder.

Even though Filippo was one of the greatest architects of his time, his style was

similar to that of the traditional churches. Elizabethan architecture didn’t come from the

churches, in fact most of the main ideas came from the architects themselves (Locher,

Pruitt, and Silver 2). Inigo Jones was perhaps the biggest reason architecture is what it

is today. Jones was responsible for bringing Renaissance architecture to England.

Inigo’s first piece of architecture was a royal one. He was asked to design Queen

Anne’s house in Greenwich. The Queen’s house was built with a similar design to that

of the Banqueting House of Whitehall in London which was later to be built by Jones.

“[the banqueting house] represented the assimilation of the Renaissance in England”

(Locher, Pruitt, Sliver 2). “Because of Jones’s unique and innovative styles, architects

everywhere used his ideas for centuries afterward;” They combined his work with their

own to better their work (2).

Another great architect of this time was Robert Smythson, the designer of

Hardwick Hall. Robert “was one of the largest advocates of the use of symmetry and

ornateness (2). He wanted buildings to be beautiful even though he would say that they

are practical. Smythson’s buildings had high basements for an attempt of lighting in the

kitchen or storage areas. His most ingenious tactic was the use of stairways. The

stairways made all parts of the mansions easily accessible. “Architecture that was

practical was a new idea in the 1500’s” (2).

The architects responsible for the Flamboyant style being built in France were

mainly Amboise (1483-1501) and Blois (1498-1515). “The crowning features of their

exteriors are magnified versions of dormer windows” (Hinkle 7).

The last flowering of Flamboyant architecture occurred between the end of

the fifteenth century and the 1530’s in the work of Martin Chambiges (died

1532) and his son Pierre (died 1544), who were responsible for a series of

grand cathedrals facades, including the west front of Troyes Cathedral and

the transept facades of Senlis and Beavvais Cathedral. (7).

Architects made things possible, but with possibility comes reason. What makes

things possible. The reason for Renaissance architecture is simply the need to have

historical and modern expressions. “The two principal components of Renaissance style

are the following: A revival of the classical forms originally developed by the ancient

Greeks and Romans, and a renewed vitality and spirit emphasizing the diverse qualities

of humanity” (Beck 1). “Architecture was the dominant expression of the Gothic Age”

(Hinkle 1). Gothic architecture consisted of secular buildings, stained glass, and other

decorative arts through the centuries. In France Gothic architecture is known as

Flamboyant because of it’s flame like forms of tracery. The Flamboyant style originated

in the 1380’s, and ended between the end of the 15th century and the 1530’s. The

English builders devised their own late Gothic architecture, the perpendicular style. This

style spurned the Flamboyant style altogether. The masterpiece of this style was that of

a king’s, in which the fan-shaped spreading panels are in complete accord with the

rectangular walls and windows (Hinkle 7). By the 17th century the growth of the late

Gothic forms were replaced by the Renaissance.

Religion was a pretty big part of what style evolved. Baroque evolved in Rome in

1620 as an expression of the Catholic revival. Also during this time Baroque spread to

other parts of Italy and even across the Alps. The word “Baroque” originally meant

irregular or misshapen (Norwich 172).

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