Greek Revival

Definition

Greek Revival is an architectural style that emerged in the early 19th century in the United States, characterized by its use of classical Greek elements and forms, reflecting a fascination with ancient Greece and its democratic ideals. This style connected to broader trends in American architecture and history, emphasizing the nation’s aspirations toward democracy, culture, and social order.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Greek Revival architecture gained popularity in the United States during the 1820s to the 1860s, coinciding with the Antebellum Period.
2. Prominent features of Greek Revival include tall columns, pediments, and symmetrical shapes that mimic ancient Greek temples.
3. This style was often used for public buildings like banks, courthouses, and theaters as symbols of democracy and civic pride.
4. The Greek Revival movement was influenced by the romanticism of classical antiquity and reflected a broader interest in national identity and heritage.
5. Notable examples of Greek Revival architecture include the U.S. Capitol building and various state capitols across the country.

Review Questions

• How did Greek Revival architecture reflect the values and aspirations of early 19th-century America?
  • Greek Revival architecture embodied the values of democracy, cultural identity, and civic pride that were prominent in early 19th-century America. The use of classical Greek elements symbolized a connection to ancient democratic ideals, reinforcing the belief that the young nation was a continuation of these principles. Buildings designed in this style were often used for public institutions, showcasing an aspiration toward civilization and governance rooted in classical traditions.
• Discuss how Greek Revival architecture is related to Neoclassicism and how both movements influenced American architectural trends.
  • Greek Revival is directly tied to Neoclassicism, as both movements draw inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman architecture. While Neoclassicism embraced a broader range of classical styles, Greek Revival specifically emphasized Greek architectural forms like columns and pediments. This focus on classical aesthetics influenced American architectural trends by encouraging the adoption of monumental public buildings that reflected national pride and aspirations for democratic governance.
• Evaluate the impact of Greek Revival architecture on Southern Antebellum plantation homes and its significance in that cultural context.
  • Greek Revival architecture significantly influenced Southern Antebellum plantation homes by integrating classical elements that signified wealth and sophistication. These grand homes often featured tall columns and expansive porches, echoing the grandeur of ancient temples while representing the power dynamics of the plantation economy. In this cultural context, such architectural choices not only showcased affluence but also reinforced social hierarchies and the romanticized view of Southern aristocracy just before the Civil War.

Related terms

Neoclassicism:

A cultural movement that drew inspiration from the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome, manifesting in various forms including architecture, literature, and visual arts.

Doric Order: The simplest of the classical orders of architecture, characterized by its sturdy columns with no base and a plain capital, often used in Greek Revival buildings.

Antebellum Period: The period in American history before the Civil War, marked by significant social, economic, and political changes, during which Greek Revival architecture flourished.