ARCHITECTURE IN ROMANTICISM: ORIGIN, CHARACTERISTICS AND WORKS - ART - 2024

The architecture in Romanticism is a movement that sought to copy the architectural styles that were used in previous eras, but also added cultural details of the time. The romantic architectural movement occurred in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but its greatest splendor was experienced between the years 1825 and 1875.

The romantic is an architecture in which specific or frequent characteristics are not noticed. Neo-Gothic, Neo-Romanesque and Neo-Byzantine are the names of the most used styles of the time. The prefix neo (which means new or recent) was added to the medieval styles that were imitated, being the neo-Gothic the most used style at that stage.

Crypt of the Almudena Cathedral, with a neo-Romanesque style. L. Roisin

Origin

The origin of architecture in the romantic movement occurs in the United Kingdom, but it was consolidated in France and Germany. It was important in areas of Europe such as Spain, Austria or Italy, and in Latin American countries. It was a cultural trend that emerged as a response against the Enlightenment and Neoclassicism.

Culturally, Romanticism had more relevance in the area of ​​literature. In the case of Latin America, its presence was late and it did not have the same relevance as an architectural movement as it did in Europe.

With the end of the 18th century, the beginning of romantic architecture began. In the 19th century it had its greatest apogee, but it was in the year 1830 when it was possible to put an end to all the influence of the Classical times. Already in the year 1880 the importance of Romanticism faded a bit due to the entry of Eclecticism.

Architecture during Romanticism lived a great moment thanks to the Industrial Revolution, which came to an end between the years 1820 and 1840. The influence of the Romantic movement is seen in public buildings, in the construction of factories and even in palaces and houses.

One of the most representative constructions is Neuschwanstein Castle, which is located in Germany and which was completed in 1886.

characteristics

It is difficult to find common elements in the architecture of Romanticism. An attempt was made to update past styles, especially the Neo-Gothic. There are ten currents that occur in Romantic architecture: Neo-Baroque, Neo-Byzantine, Neo-Greek, Neo-Colonial, Georgian, Neo-Egyptian, Neo-Gothic, Neo-Mudejar, Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Romanesque.

On the other hand, Romanticism was a movement in which the constructions that were made did not have a decorative purpose, but rather their function was to be useful.

The constructions had a different meaning or use in each country. In the case of England, the neo-Gothic style stood out. The Spanish representatives looked for an architecture that reflected the national. In the case of France, it was a move adopted by the new rich.

Materials such as bricks of different colors (especially brown, cream and red) were used in the constructions. Metallic structures also began to be used, which forced the use of new construction procedures.

Representative works in Mexico, Spain and Colombia

In each country, romantic architecture had different motives, exponents and concerns. In Latin America, for example, work began much later than in Europe. Due to this, the most representative works of each country are quite different from each other.

Spain

Throughout Romanticism the objective in Spain was the need to find a national architecture. Mudejar (influenced by Christians and Muslims, with a mixture of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles) is the artistic style that the Spanish adopt most strongly.

In the Iberian Peninsula, the constructions focused more on religious or leisure sites, such as casinos and bullrings. Spanish architects used uncoated brick in their works, in combination with masonry. The use of arches is very present, such as the horseshoe, the semicircular, the lobed or the pointed.

The Almudena Cathedral, in Madrid, is one of the most representative works. The architects Francisco de Cubas and Enrique María Repullés were in charge of the crypt, which has a neo-Romanesque style. Fernando Chueca Goitia and Carlos Sidro made the church, which has neoclassical elements on the outside and neo-gothic inside.

Francisco de Cubas was also in charge of the construction of the church of Santa Cruz, in Madrid. Neo-Gothic and Neo-Mudejar styles are present. The use of brick and white stone or the presence of an arch are some of the most visible characteristics of this style.

In addition, Lorenzo Álvarez Capra built the church of La Paloma, with a neo-Mudejar and neo-Gothic style. And architects like Aníbal Álvarez Bouquel, Narciso Pascual or Emilio Rodríguez Ayuso build bullrings in this style. During the 19th century more than 30 bullrings were erected in Spain.

Mexico

The architectural style of Mexico in Romanticism is influenced by foreign artistic expressions. At the end of the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century an important construction process was experienced. The romantic style was reflected in the homes of the capital's bourgeoisie and in many institution buildings.

The Palace of Fine Arts was a work of the Italian Adamo Boari, where different styles were mixed during its construction. The Boker house was a project devised by Roberto Boker and featured two American architects: De Lemos and Cordes. It was the first construction that was made using steel as a total support for columns and beams.

The Church of San Felipe de Jesús was also built during Romanticism. Emilio Dondé gave the exterior of his work characteristics of the Neo-Romanesque and Gothic styles. Works such as the Post Office building have neo-Gothic details, and the Ministry of Communications and Public Works shows neoclassical influence.

Colombia

Foreign architects carried the weight of the constructions during Romanticism in Colombia, especially to educate workers and artists. Few works were carried out during this period, although there were some of some importance.

The Danish Thomas Reed was the most influential architect during the 19th century in Colombia. Reed began construction of the National Capitol, although it took more than 80 years to complete.

The building has a neoclassical style. While the National Museum, also by Reed, shows characteristics of Spanish romantic works, with the use of arches and masonry.

The Catedral Primada in Bogotá is another example of romantic architecture. The Spanish architect Domingo de Petrés gave it a neoclassical style. On the other hand, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Medellín, by the French architect Charles Émile Carré, shows neo-Romanesque forms.

References

1. Corradine Angulo, A., & Mora de Corradine, H. (2001). History of Colombian architecture. Bogota: National University of Colombia.
2. Escobar, W. Origin, evolution, and transformation of Romanticism in Europe and Hispano-America. Recovered from academia.edu
3. Maya, R. (1944). Aspects of Romanticism in Colombia. Recovered from revista-iberoamericana.pitt.edu
4. Theory of architecture in Mexico. Recovered from tdx.cat
5. Vázquez, A. (2015). Historicism in Mexican architecture from 1925 to 1940. Recovered from fup.edu.co