American entertainer and innovator, Dan Rice once said, “There are three forms of visual art: painting is an art to look at, the sculpture is art you can walk around, and architecture is art you can walk through”.
Naturally, art and architecture, despite being different avenues, at times have overlapped in their styles and nature. Throughout the history of visual art movements, you will find buildings that borrowed styles from art and art that was inspired by the nature of buildings. The line between the two is blurry and often times, architects find themselves looking for inspiration in art.
BAROQUE
The Baroque art and architecture movement originated in Rome in the late 16th century. Architecture that was inspired by the art movement of the same name can be easily identified by their exaggerated embellishments and religious symbolism.
1.Marble Court, Palace of Versailles, France –
The Palace of Versailles has a heavy influence of Baroque architecture. Along with the Marble Court, the façade of the first Chateau was embellished by French Baroque architects, Louis Le Vau and Jules Hardouin-Mansart.
2.Saint Nicholas Church by Christoph Dientzenhofer –
A parish church in Prague, the St. Nicholas Church is the finest example of Baroque architecture in the Czech Republic. The spectacular interiors of the church are very typical of Baroque style.
ART NOUVEAU
An art movement is also known as Jugendstil in some parts of Europe, Art Nouveau flourished throughout the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This movement was characterized by detailed and organic designs with extravagant treatments and ornate interiors.
3.Casa Batllo, Spain –
Known for its skeletal and organic façade, the building is covered in symbolism and decorated with colorful mosaics. Casa Batllo is known as Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece!
4.Horta Museum, Belgium –
Originally, the house and workshop of architect Victor Horta, today, is a museum, dedicated to his life. From ornate mosaics to tinted glass details, the interior of the museum is in true fashion, Art Nouveau.
5.The Secession Building, Austria –
A fine arts institution and exhibition hall, the Secession Building is dedicated to the Vienna Secession art movement which was inspired by the Art Nouveau style.
ART DECO
The Art Deco movement originated in the 1920s in Western Europe and the United States. Art Deco is characterized by modern, sleek, and sophisticated design. Simplicity and symmetry were other features common to this art form.
6.Chrysler Building, USA –
The decorative metal cladding on the façade along with African red granite interiors and steel ornaments make it a prime example of Art Deco-influenced architecture.
7.Coca-Cola Building, USA –
Influenced by the design of a ship, the Coca-Cola Building is an industrial bottling plant in Los Angeles. It is a reflection of an international version of the Art Deco movement known as Streamline Moderne.
ITALIAN RENAISSANCE
Influenced by the Italian Renaissance Art movement, Renaissance architecture originated in Florence and reflects the revival of the Classical period.
8.Florence Cathedral, Italy –
The façade of the Florence Cathedral is nothing short of art in itself with polychromatic marble panels in green, pink, and white.
9.Church of the Santissimo Redentore, Italy –
Designed by Andrea Palladio, this Roman Catholic Church is known for its geometric proportions and Turkish influences.
GOTHIC
A medieval art movement that originated in France, Gothic Art inspired architecture with features like heavy stonework, barrel and ribbed vaults, numerous windows, and pointed arches.
10.Cologne Cathedral, Germany –
The Cologne Cathedral is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe. It has all the iconic features of Gothic Architecture including flying buttresses, high-ceiling vaults, tall spires, stained glass windows, etc.
