Imperial Architecture
Peterhof Palace, St. Petersburg.
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Russian Imperial architecture began during the reign of Tsar Peter the First in 1712 during the establishment of his new capitol St.
Petersburg. Peter the First worked to modernize Russia using west ern designs and ideals. The work to modernize the country had a strong an profound effect on Russia architecture which turned away from its historical designs and began copying many western designs and themes. |
Peter the Great required almost every building in St. Petersburg to be constructed in the Baroque style. The Baroque style was an intense breakaway from traditional Russian architecture that was inspired by the traditional Russian churches. The style focused on creating dramatic intensity through the use of natural light and employment of classical greeco-roman designs. This is especially evident in the Peterhof Palace that was stylized as a “Russian Versailles”. Other such works include the Red Gate, St. Peter and St. Paul's Cathedral and the Menshikov Palace.
Notice the use of artistic columns along the side of the buildings. The columns are non load bearing, but are stylized in the Corinthian and Composite themes. Natural lighting also changes the coloration of the buildings as observed on the Menshikov Palace. In appearance these buildings could have come from any part of Europe showing Tsar Peter's efforts to modernize Russiain the European style.
Later under the leadership of Catherine the Great the empire shifted into a western neoclassical style. This style was marked by imposing architecture to convey the power of the state. The neoclassical exhibited many of the themes of the Baroque, but put an even greater focus on greeco-roman styles. In order to achieve this Catherine employed architects from Italy, Scotland, and France to construct many of the iconic Imperial Russian monuments such as Saint Isaac's Cathedral and The Cameron Gallery. This artistic style well past the reign of Catherine the Great with the Kremlin, Bolshoi Theater, GUM department store, and the State Historical Museum being constructed in the neoclassical style.
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