Why did Thomas Jefferson believe that Classical Revival was more appropriate style than Georgian for public buildings in the new United States?
Why did thomas jefferson believe classical revival was a more appropriate style than georgian for public buildings in the new united states?
i was going to ask the same question but i gues no one's answered for you so i won't ask it? Our teacher's obviously think on the same lines...
Thomas Jefferson believed that Classical Revival was a more appropriate architectural style for public buildings in the new United States for several reasons. To understand his perspective, we can explore the historical and ideological context of the time.
1. Democratic ideals: Jefferson and other Founding Fathers sought to establish a new nation based on the principles of democracy, republicanism, and liberty. They believed that the architecture of public buildings should reflect these ideals. Classical Revival, inspired by the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, was seen as embodying the democratic values of ancient Athens and the Roman Republic.
2. Symbolism: Jefferson believed that architectural choices could convey certain messages and meanings. Classical architecture, with its grandeur and simplicity, symbolized the noble virtues of ancient republics. By adopting Classical Revival, he wanted to associate the young United States with the ideals of ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing both the nation's cultural heritage and its aspiration to build a successful republic.
3. Neoclassical movement: In Europe, there was a resurgence of interest in classical architecture and culture during the 18th century, known as the Neoclassical movement. Thomas Jefferson, as an avid scholar and admirer of ancient civilization, was influenced by this movement. He believed that adopting Classical Revival would not only align the United States with the intellectual currents of the time but also demonstrate the nation's cultural refinement and sophistication.
4. Aesthetics and universality: Jefferson appreciated the beauty and timelessness of classical architecture. He saw it as a style that could transcend time and place, appealing to future generations as well. By choosing Classical Revival, he believed that public buildings would possess an enduring aesthetic appeal and a sense of dignity that would resonate with people of diverse backgrounds for years to come.
In summary, Thomas Jefferson believed that Classical Revival was more appropriate than Georgian style for public buildings in the new United States because of its alignment with democratic ideals, symbolism, influence from the neoclassical movement, and its lasting aesthetic appeal.