Classical and Renaissance Architecture

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A Comparison of Classical and Renaissance Architecture The classical period was recognized to be primarily comprised during two reigns, Ancient Greece and then proceeded by Rome. As Athens rose to power in 479 B.C., after the defeat of the Persians, Ancient Greece became a superpower dominating by changing the government to a democracy and upholding their beliefs of their Greek gods (Hemingway& Hemingway, 2000). War and plague eventually doom the rule of Ancient Greece (Hemingway& Hemingway, 2000) and is proceeded by the Roman Empire. With the Romans guarding their borders a time of prosperity and peace ensue allowing advancements in technology and the arts (Lightfoot, 2000). Eventually the fall of the Roman empire too occurs and it would be a little over a century later until the Renaissance period would pick up the pieces where the Classical period ended. The Renaissance period began in Italy and extended throughout Europe. An emergence of heroic ideals and study of the liberal arts becomes encouraged allowing individualism to prevail (“Florence and Central Italy, 1400-1600 A.D.”, 2000). The Classical arts are rediscovered and serve as a foundation to the Renaissance. Democracy modeled from Ancient Greece and Rome led to Europe’s equality. Architecture during these two time periods displays their times of peace, prosperity and power. On the surface these two art forms may seem just merely similar. A closer look reveals that like the Classical period, Renaissance architecture also values harmony, proportion and endorsed innovation. The styles of Renaissance Architecture are evidently developed from Classical ideals. Ancient Greece is known for their orders the Doric, Ionic and the Corinthian. These columns provided support to their buildings while simultaneously adding to the aesthetic experience with varying decorative touches (Hemingway,
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