Gothic Revival Overview: An overview of the style and the reason it was so popular.

Summary

This video discusses the evolution of American architectural styles in the 19th century, focusing on the shift from the strict Greek Revival to the more romantic and idealized Gothic Revival. The speaker highlights key figures like Thomas Cole, Andrew Jackson Davis, and Alexander Jackson Downing, and their contributions to shaping the aesthetic of the time. Industrialization is seen as both a catalyst for creativity and a force that led to a rejection of ornamentation in later movements. The discussion also touches on the cultural and moral influences on architecture, particularly through the lens of the Gothic style and the Arts and Crafts movement.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Hudson Valley School of Art, led by Thomas Cole, emphasized romanticism and idealism in American landscapes, contrasting with the strict, mathematical Greek Revival style.
• 😀 The romantic view of America, as seen in works like James Fenimore Cooper's *The Last of the Mohicans* and Ralph Waldo Emerson's philosophy, focused on man’s connection with nature and rejecting urban life.
• 😀 Two influential figures in the romantic movement, Andrew Jackson Davis and Alexander Jackson Downing, promoted the idea of returning to nature through their works in architecture and horticulture.
• 😀 Gothic Revival architecture emerged as a rejection of the Greek Revival style, favoring more romantic and idealized designs, with a focus on intricate detailing.
• 😀 The Gothic style in architecture, championed by figures like Augustus Pugin and John Ruskin, was associated with morality, strength, and a closer connection to God compared to classical styles.
• 😀 Industrialization allowed for more detailed and ornate architectural elements, such as sawn verge boards and turret details, which were previously impossible.
• 😀 Westminster Abbey’s rebuild in the Gothic style in 1840, led by Pugin, symbolized the power and influence of Gothic architecture, and Ruskin’s writings further promoted its moral ideals.
• 😀 The Arts and Crafts movement, led by figures like William Morris and Gustav Stickley, rejected over-industrialized ornamentation and emphasized craftsmanship and a return to natural materials.
• 😀 Victorian architecture was marked by bold, colorful designs, including earth tones and colors on colors, which were later rejected in favor of a more natural, stained-wood aesthetic in the Arts and Crafts period.
• 😀 Lyndhurst, a Gothic Revival building designed by A.J. Davis, demonstrates the influence of romantic and Gothic elements, with features like clustered columns, hood moldings, and intricate window tracery.

Q & A

What is the significance of Thomas Cole in the context of American art and architecture?

Thomas Cole was a key figure in the Hudson River School of art, known for his romantic depiction of nature. His works represented an idealized vision of America, promoting the beauty and grandeur of nature, which later influenced American architectural styles.

How did the architectural style in America evolve during the early 19th century?

There was a shift from the strict Greek Revival style to more romantic and nature-inspired architectural styles. This evolution reflected a broader cultural movement that emphasized man’s connection to nature, as seen in works like James Fenimore Cooper's *The Last of the Mohicans* and Henry David Thoreau’s *Walden*.

What was the role of Andrew Jackson Davis and Alexander Jackson Downing in this architectural shift?

Andrew Jackson Davis was a proponent of returning to nature, and his writings influenced the shift towards more organic, nature-inspired architecture. Alexander Jackson Downing, a horticulturist and writer, played a pivotal role in promoting landscape architecture and interior design, drawing parallels to how homes should be integrated with nature.

How did the Gothic Revival style influence American architecture?

The Gothic Revival style, influenced by medieval architecture, was marked by dramatic pointed arches, clustered columns, and intricate detailing. It gained popularity as a response to the Greek Revival, with proponents arguing that it connected more closely to divine ideals, as seen in works by Pugin and Ruskin.

Why was the Gothic Revival considered morally superior by some architects like Pugin?

Pugin and other proponents of the Gothic Revival believed that this style was morally superior because it represented spiritual purity and connected architecture to a higher, divine purpose, contrasting with the pagan-inspired Greek Revival.

What influence did John Ruskin have on architectural theory during this time?

John Ruskin was an influential critic and theorist who promoted the moral and aesthetic value of architecture. His book *The Seven Lamps of Architecture* outlined the virtues that architecture should embody, including strength, morality, and beauty, which aligned with the Gothic Revival movement.

What role did industrialization play in the development of architectural ornamentation?

Industrialization enabled the mass production of architectural details and ornamentation, which would have been difficult or impossible to achieve previously. This technological advancement allowed for the intricate, detailed designs seen in styles like the Gothic Revival and Victorian architecture.

What are some key architectural features of the Gothic Revival style?

Key features of the Gothic Revival style include steep pitched roofs, pointed arches, clustered columns, tracery in windows, and intricate wooden ornamentation like verge boards and barge boards. These elements evoke medieval and religious themes.

What was the significance of the 'Wedding Cake House' in Kennebunkport?

The 'Wedding Cake House' is a notable example of a house that combines Federal style with later Greek Revival elements, demonstrating how architectural trends evolved in response to new technologies and cultural influences. The house features a mix of historical styles with bold, ornamental details.

How did color use in Victorian architecture differ from other periods?

Victorian architecture is known for its bold use of colors, often combining multiple contrasting shades. This was a departure from earlier periods, and while it might seem excessive today, it was a reflection of the excitement and possibilities brought about by industrialization, even if the results can appear garish by modern standards.