7.1 Greek Revival

Greek Revival architecture emerged in the late 18th century, inspired by ancient Greek forms and ideals. It emphasized symmetry, geometry, and classical elements like columns and pediments. The style reflected a renewed interest in antiquity and democratic values.

Greek Revival became popular in the United States during the early to mid-19th century. It was widely adopted for public buildings and private homes, symbolizing the young nation's cultural aspirations and republican values. The style's simplicity and grandeur appealed to many Americans.

Characteristics of Greek Revival architecture

• Greek Revival architecture is characterized by its adherence to classical Greek forms and proportions, emphasizing symmetry, geometry, and the use of Greek architectural elements
• The style emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries as part of a broader revival of interest in classical antiquity and a desire to emulate the perceived ideals of ancient Greek democracy and culture

Symmetrical and geometrical forms

Top images from around the web for Symmetrical and geometrical forms

• 

  Parthenon | Flickr - Photo Sharing! View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Temple of Olympian Zeus | The Temple of Olympian Zeus is… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Temple of Athena at Paestum.JPG - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Parthenon | Flickr - Photo Sharing! View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Temple of Olympian Zeus | The Temple of Olympian Zeus is… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Symmetrical and geometrical forms

• 

  Parthenon | Flickr - Photo Sharing! View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Temple of Olympian Zeus | The Temple of Olympian Zeus is… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Temple of Athena at Paestum.JPG - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Parthenon | Flickr - Photo Sharing! View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Temple of Olympian Zeus | The Temple of Olympian Zeus is… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Greek Revival buildings are typically symmetrical in plan and elevation, with a central entrance and equally balanced windows and features on either side
• The overall form is often based on simple geometric shapes (rectangles, squares, circles) and proportions derived from ancient Greek temples
• Symmetry and geometry contribute to a sense of order, stability, and grandeur in Greek Revival architecture

Low-pitched roofs with gable fronts

• Greek Revival buildings often feature low-pitched gable roofs, reminiscent of the pediments of ancient Greek temples
• The gable front, or pediment, is usually decorated with classical moldings and may contain sculptural elements or relief carvings
• The low pitch of the roof emphasizes the horizontal lines of the building, creating a sense of stability and repose

Columns and pilasters

• Columns and pilasters (flat, rectangular columns attached to walls) are essential elements of Greek Revival architecture, used to support entablatures and create a sense of rhythm and proportion
• Columns are often freestanding, while pilasters are used to articulate walls and create the illusion of columns
• The use of columns and pilasters reflects the influence of ancient Greek temple architecture and helps to convey a sense of grandeur and classical refinement

Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders

• Greek Revival architecture incorporates the three classical orders of ancient Greek architecture: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian
• The Doric order is the simplest, characterized by plain, unadorned capitals and a frieze with triglyphs and metopes
• The Ionic order features scrolled capitals and a continuous frieze, while the Corinthian order is the most ornate, with elaborate capitals decorated with acanthus leaves
• The choice of order often depends on the building's function and the desired level of ornamentation

Elaborate door surrounds

• Greek Revival buildings often feature prominent, elaborately decorated door surrounds, which frame the main entrance and create a focal point for the facade
• Door surrounds may include pilasters, entablatures, and pediments, often adorned with classical moldings and carvings
• The elaborate treatment of the entrance reflects the importance placed on the threshold between the public and private realms in Greek Revival architecture

Decorative moldings and cornices

• Greek Revival buildings are characterized by the use of classical moldings and cornices, which serve to define and articulate the different parts of the building
• Moldings are used to frame windows and doors, divide walls into distinct sections, and create a sense of depth and shadow on the facade
• Cornices, which run along the top of the building, are often decorated with dentils (small, square blocks) or other classical ornaments
• The use of decorative moldings and cornices helps to create a sense of richness and refinement in Greek Revival architecture

Influences on Greek Revival style

• The Greek Revival style emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, influenced by a renewed interest in classical antiquity and a desire to emulate the perceived ideals of ancient Greek culture
• This interest was fueled by several factors, including the Enlightenment, the rise of archaeology, and the political and cultural aspirations of the newly independent United States

Renewed interest in classical antiquity

• The late 18th and early 19th centuries saw a renewed fascination with the art, literature, and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome
• This interest was driven in part by the Enlightenment, which emphasized reason, order, and the pursuit of knowledge, and saw the classical world as a model of perfection
• The rediscovery of ancient texts and artifacts, as well as the publication of influential works (Johann Joachim Winckelmann's "Thoughts on the Imitation of Greek Works in Painting and Sculpture"), helped to popularize classical ideals and aesthetics

Excavations of ancient Greek sites

• The late 18th and early 19th centuries witnessed a surge in archaeological excavations of ancient Greek sites, such as the Acropolis in Athens and the temples of Paestum in Italy
• These excavations provided architects and scholars with firsthand knowledge of ancient Greek architecture, including its forms, proportions, and decorative elements
• The discoveries made at these sites helped to fuel the Greek Revival movement and provided a wealth of inspiration for architects and designers

Publications on Greek architecture

• The dissemination of knowledge about ancient Greek architecture was facilitated by the publication of several influential works in the late 18th and early 19th centuries
• These publications included Stuart and Revett's "The Antiquities of Athens" (1762), which provided detailed drawings and descriptions of ancient Greek buildings
• Other notable works included Julien-David Le Roy's "Les Ruines des Plus Beaux Monuments de la Grèce" (1758) and William Wilkins's "The Antiquities of Magna Graecia" (1807)
• These publications helped to popularize the Greek Revival style and provided architects with a wealth of visual and technical information to draw upon

Greek War of Independence

• The Greek War of Independence (1821-1832), in which Greece fought to liberate itself from Ottoman rule, had a significant impact on the popularity of the Greek Revival style
• The war was seen as a struggle for freedom and democracy, and it captured the imagination of many Europeans and Americans who saw parallels with their own political and cultural aspirations
• The success of the Greek war effort and the establishment of an independent Greek state helped to further popularize Greek culture and architecture, and contributed to the spread of the Greek Revival style

Prominent Greek Revival architects

• The Greek Revival style was championed by a number of prominent architects in the United States and Europe, who helped to popularize the style and establish it as a dominant architectural movement of the early to mid-19th century
• These architects drew upon the forms and principles of ancient Greek architecture to create a new, distinctively modern style that embodied the cultural and political aspirations of their time

Benjamin Henry Latrobe

• Benjamin Henry Latrobe (1764-1820) was a British-born architect who is often credited with introducing the Greek Revival style to the United States
• Latrobe's designs for the Bank of Pennsylvania (1798) and the Baltimore Basilica (1806-1821) featured Greek-inspired elements (porticos, columns, and pediments) and helped to establish the Greek Revival as a viable architectural style in America
• Latrobe's influence can be seen in the work of many subsequent Greek Revival architects, including his pupils William Strickland and Robert Mills

William Strickland

• William Strickland (1788-1854) was an American architect and engineer who designed several notable Greek Revival buildings, including the Second Bank of the United States in Philadelphia (1819-1824)
• Strickland's design for the Second Bank featured a monumental Doric portico and a richly decorated interior, and it helped to establish the Greek Revival as a symbol of financial stability and civic pride
• Strickland also designed the Tennessee State Capitol (1845-1859), which features a prominent Ionic portico and a central dome, demonstrating the adaptability of the Greek Revival style to different building types and functions

Robert Mills

• Robert Mills (1781-1855) was an American architect and engineer who designed several important Greek Revival buildings, including the Washington Monument in Baltimore (1815-1829) and the Treasury Building in Washington, D.C. (1836-1842)
• Mills's designs often combined Greek Revival elements with other architectural styles (Gothic Revival), demonstrating the eclecticism and experimentation that characterized much of 19th-century American architecture
• Mills also played a significant role in the development of the Greek Revival style through his work as a government architect, designing custom houses, post offices, and other federal buildings throughout the United States

Thomas U. Walter

• Thomas U. Walter (1804-1887) was an American architect who designed several notable Greek Revival buildings, including Girard College in Philadelphia (1833-1847) and the dome of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. (1855-1866)
• Walter's design for Girard College featured a monumental Corinthian portico and a richly decorated interior, demonstrating the potential of the Greek Revival style for creating grand, imposing public buildings
• Walter's work on the Capitol dome, although not strictly Greek Revival in style, nevertheless incorporated many classical elements and helped to establish the Capitol as a symbol of American democracy and national identity

Greek Revival in the United States

• The Greek Revival style became widely popular in the United States during the early to mid-19th century, adopted for a range of public and private buildings and serving as a symbol of the young nation's cultural and political aspirations
• The style's association with ancient Greek democracy and its emphasis on simplicity, clarity, and rational order appealed to many Americans, who saw it as a fitting expression of their own republican values and institutions

Popularity in early to mid-19th century

• The Greek Revival style reached its peak of popularity in the United States between the 1820s and 1860s, coinciding with a period of rapid growth, westward expansion, and national consolidation
• The style was adopted for a wide range of building types, including government buildings, banks, churches, schools, and private residences
• The popularity of the Greek Revival style was fueled by a number of factors, including the publication of influential pattern books (Asher Benjamin's "The Practical House Carpenter," 1830), the rise of the architectural profession, and the growing demand for fashionable, up-to-date architecture

Adoption for public and private buildings

• The Greek Revival style was widely used for public buildings in the United States, including government offices, courthouses, and state capitols
• These buildings often featured prominent porticos, columns, and pediments, and were designed to convey a sense of stability, authority, and civic pride
• The style was also popular for private residences, particularly in the South and the Ohio Valley, where it was adapted to local climates and building traditions (raised foundations, wide porches)

Greek Revival as a national style

• The Greek Revival style became so widespread in the United States that it was often referred to as the "National Style" or the "American Style"
• The style's popularity was seen as a reflection of the country's growing sense of national identity and its desire to establish itself as a cultural and political leader on the world stage
• The Greek Revival style also played a role in the development of American architecture as a distinct profession, with architects such as Benjamin Henry Latrobe and William Strickland helping to establish the field and set standards for architectural education and practice

Regional variations and adaptations

• Although the Greek Revival style was a national phenomenon, it also developed regional variations and adaptations that reflected local building traditions, materials, and climates
• In the South, for example, Greek Revival houses often featured raised foundations, wide porches, and tall windows to provide ventilation and shade in the hot, humid climate
• In New England, Greek Revival houses were often built of wood rather than stone or brick, and featured more restrained, simplified details than their Southern counterparts
• These regional variations helped to create a rich and diverse architectural landscape, and demonstrated the adaptability and versatility of the Greek Revival style

Notable Greek Revival buildings

• The Greek Revival style produced many notable buildings in the United States, ranging from grand public edifices to elegant private residences
• These buildings showcased the key characteristics of the style, including symmetrical compositions, classical details, and a sense of monumental scale and grandeur

Second Bank of the United States, Philadelphia

• The Second Bank of the United States in Philadelphia, designed by William Strickland and completed in 1824, is one of the most iconic examples of Greek Revival architecture in America
• The building features a monumental Doric portico, with eight columns supporting a triangular pediment, and a richly decorated interior with a central rotunda and a series of vaulted banking rooms
• The Second Bank's design helped to establish the Greek Revival style as a symbol of financial stability and civic pride, and it influenced the design of many subsequent banks and government buildings

Tennessee State Capitol, Nashville

• The Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville, designed by William Strickland and completed in 1859, is another notable example of Greek Revival architecture in the United States
• The building features a prominent Ionic portico, with six columns supporting a triangular pediment, and a central dome that rises above the main roof
• The Capitol's design demonstrates the adaptability of the Greek Revival style to different building types and functions, and it helped to establish Nashville as a major cultural and political center in the antebellum South

Andalusia, Pennsylvania

• Andalusia, a Greek Revival mansion in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, was designed by Thomas U. Walter and completed in 1836
• The house features a monumental Doric portico, with six columns supporting a triangular pediment, and a symmetrical facade with tall windows and a central entrance
• Andalusia's design demonstrates the potential of the Greek Revival style for creating elegant, refined private residences, and it reflects the growing wealth and sophistication of American society in the early 19th century

Millford Plantation, South Carolina

• Millford Plantation in Pinewood, South Carolina, is a Greek Revival mansion designed by Nathaniel Potter and completed in 1841
• The house features a monumental Corinthian portico, with six columns supporting a triangular pediment, and a symmetrical facade with tall windows and a central entrance
• Millford's design reflects the popularity of the Greek Revival style in the antebellum South, and it demonstrates the adaptability of the style to local climates and building traditions (raised foundation, wide porch)

Decline of Greek Revival

• The Greek Revival style began to decline in popularity in the United States in the mid-19th century, as changing tastes, new technologies, and social and political developments led to a shift towards more eclectic and diverse architectural styles
• However, the influence of the Greek Revival style continued to be felt in American architecture, and many of its key elements and principles were incorporated into later styles and movements

Rise of other architectural styles

• The decline of the Greek Revival style in the mid-19th century was partly due to the rise of other architectural styles, such as the Gothic Revival, Italianate, and Second Empire
• These styles offered new aesthetic possibilities and reflected changing cultural and social values, such as a growing interest in the Middle Ages, a desire for more picturesque and asymmetrical compositions, and a fascination with the latest technological innovations
• The rise of these new styles helped to create a more diverse and eclectic architectural landscape in the United States, and challenged the dominance of the Greek Revival as a national style

Shift towards more eclectic designs

• The mid-19th century also saw a shift towards more eclectic and individualistic approaches to architectural design, as architects and clients sought to create buildings that reflected their own tastes, personalities, and social aspirations
• This shift was fueled by the growing availability of architectural pattern books, which provided a wide range of design options and styles, and by the increasing professionalization of the architectural field, which encouraged experimentation and innovation
• The result was a more diverse and dynamic architectural landscape, in which the Greek Revival style was just one of many options available to architects and clients

Greek Revival elements in later styles

• Although the Greek Revival style declined in popularity in the mid-19th century, many of its key elements and principles continued to influence American architecture in the decades that followed
• Greek Revival details, such as columns, pediments, and entablatures, were often incorporated into later architectural styles, such as the Beaux-Arts and Neoclassical Revival
• These elements helped to create a sense of continuity and tradition in American architecture, and demonstrated the enduring appeal of classical forms and principles
• The influence of the Greek Revival style can also be seen in the work of many 20th-century architects, such as John Russell Pope and Paul Philippe Cret, who drew upon classical precedents to create new and innovative designs

Greek Revival vs Neoclassical architecture

• The Greek Revival and Neoclassical styles are often grouped together under the broader category of "classical" architecture, as both draw upon the forms and principles of ancient Greek and Roman design
• However, there are important differences between the two styles, particularly in terms of their historical context, their treatment of classical elements, and their overall aesthetic effect

Similarities in classical inspiration

• Both the Greek Revival and Neoclassical styles are inspired by the architecture of classical antiquity, particularly the temples and public buildings of ancient Greece and Rome
• Both styles emphasize symmetry, balance, and proportion, and feature classical elements such as columns, pediments, and entablatures
• Both styles also reflect a desire to create architecture that is timeless, universal, and expressive of enduring cultural and political values

Differences in proportions and details

• Despite their shared classical inspiration, the Greek Revival and Neoclassical styles differ in their treatment of classical elements and their overall proportions and details
• Greek Revival architecture tends to be more austere and simplified than Neoclassical architecture, with a greater emphasis on geometric forms and a more literal interpretation of ancient Greek precedents
• Neoclassical architecture, on the other hand, often features more elaborate and ornamental details, such as carved moldings, sculptural reliefs, and decorative friezes, and may incorporate elements from a wider range of classical sources (Roman, Renaissance)

Greek Revival as a more literal interpretation

• The Greek Revival style is often seen as a more literal and direct interpretation of ancient Greek architecture than the Neoclassical style
• Greek Revival architects sought to recreate the forms and proportions of ancient Greek temples as closely as possible, often using measured drawings and archaeological evidence as their guides
• This approach resulted in a style that was more austere, monumental, and "pure" than the Neoclassical style, which often took greater liberties with classical forms and details
• The Greek