Architecture during the french Revolution.

Sources

http://www.oxfordartonline.com/public/page/themes/neoclassicismandthefrenchrevolution

Architecture during the french Revolution.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_architecture

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100226043841AAQBcpg

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/219315/French-Revolution

What was the French Revolution?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Nicolas_Ledoux

The French Revolution occurred from 1789-1799, during that time the country went from a monarchy government to a republic, a government organized by the people for the people. The catalyst for the revolution was the financial crisis; the poorest were frustrated with poor living conditions, food shortages and unfair taxes. This crisis amongst the three sections of society would become divided into three estates. The Church formed the First Estate, the Second Estate by the nobility. The Third Estate was created from the lower and middle class.

What caused it?

The French Revolution was the revolt of the Third Estate due to a new land tax and unfair advantages to those who had more money. For example, if you were to go to court, both sides would have to pay a "bribe" tipping the odds in who ever paid the most money favour. In addition, taxes to supplement the King’s financial crisis. Crop failures and the tyranny under King Louis XIV’s Rule led to the creation of Three Estates.

How did it happen?

The Third Estate had been treated badly for many years before the revolt (1787). King Louis had been raising taxes for the Third Estate. While the Third Estate were struggling to feed themselves, crop failures led to an increase in overall cost of basic items, i.e. bread. Making things, worse then they already were. The Clergy and the nobility were not taxed to the same extent as those with less money.

What were the types of architecture during 1786-99

The French Revolution had inspired two artistic styles, Rococo and Neo-Classicism. Leading up and following the French revolution.

Origins of Rococo

The Rococo Style began as retaliation against the Baroque formality. Unlike Baroque or Neoclassical Rococo is not concerned with religious matters or dramatic expression. The Decorative design’s movement began in Paris France, in the early 1700s and is sometimes called the style of Louis XV. Rococo was an ornamental style that influenced the decorative arts in France, southern Germany and Austria. Rocco is based on naturalism, pastel colors, innocence and delicate forms. Francesco Borromini and Guarino Guarini originally developed Rocco in 1700; this style was popular because of its lighter elements with more curves and natural patterns

Origins of Neoclassical

Neo-Classicism was originally called "the Louis XIV style". This style was created out of the desire to return to the perceived "purity" from the arts of Rome, Many Neo-classical architects were influenced by the drawings and projects of Étienne-Louis Boullée and Claude Nicolas Ledoux. Neo-classicism was the predominant artistic style in France in the late 1700’s to early 1800’s. Neoclassical architecture maintains separate identities to each of its parts. Meaning that each part of the building was different. Neo-classicism began in 1764 and was developed by many people, but was heavily influenced by Claude Nicolas Ledoux (1736-1806) during the time of the French revolution. This style was favoured because of Romanticism it was a revolt against the aristocratic social and political norms of the Age of Enlightenment and a reaction against the scientific rationalization of nature.

Profound Architects During the French Revolution.

Claude Nicolas Ledoux, who lived from 1736 to 1806 was the most successful architect in his time. He used his knowledge of Neo-classical architecture in not only singular buildings but in whole towns. He was the lead architect of the City of Chaux. Most of his neoclassical designs for palaces for the aristocrats and public townhouses were funded by the French monarchy. Ledoux's work was criticized for being radical during his time. He is now seen as a visionary and bold. Ledoux was arrested and imprisoned during the "time of terror". (5 September 1793 – 28 July 1794) Unfortunately, most of his work was also destroyed during the Period of terror.

During the time of the French Revolution great works of art were lost, and many were created such as the grand city of Chaux to hotels that hid the salons of the nobility. Architecture may seem to have a small role in the French Revolution but upon closer examination we see it how it may have shaped the French government and its people.