Empire style is considered to be the style of late classicism. This trend in architecture originated in France during the reign of Napoleon I and existed for the first three decades of the 19th century, replaced by eclectic trends.
The origin and features of the style
Empire style is the final stage of classicism, which appeared in the second half of the 18th century. In the era of Napoleon Bonaparte, classicism was reborn into the official imperial style, which is reflected in its name. The word "empire" is derived from the French empire - "empire". The style quickly spread not only in France, but also in many other European states.
At home, the Empire style was distinguished by the solemnity and splendor of the memorial architecture and the grandeur of the palace interiors. The legislators of this style were the court architects of Napoleon: Charles Percier and Pierre Fontaine.
Empire style in architecture is one of the so-called royal styles, which are characterized by theatricality in the external and internal design of buildings. The features of this style include the obligatory presence of columns, stucco cornices, pilasters and other classical elements. In addition, the use of antique sculptures, as well as sculptural structures with griffins, sphinxes, lions, etc. is typical for the Empire style.
Such decorations in the architecture of the Empire style are arranged in an orderly manner with strict observance of symmetry. The idea of the power of power and state was emphasized by massive monumental forms and rich decor with elements of military symbols borrowed from the Roman Empire, Ancient Greece and Ancient Egypt.
Empire style in Russia
At the beginning of the 19th century, French culture was popular among the upper strata of Russian society. In St. Petersburg and other cities, many state buildings and houses of wealthy citizens were built by architects invited from other countries. For the construction of St. Isaac's Cathedral, Emperor Alexander I invited the young French architect Auguste Montferrand, who later became the founder of the "Russian Empire" style.
In Russia, this style was divided into Petersburg and Moscow. This division was based not so much on territorial features as on the closeness to classicism, which was felt more strongly in the Moscow Empire style. The most famous architect of the Petersburg direction was Carl Rossi, who created the ensemble of the Mikhailovsky Palace, the ensemble of the Palace Square with the General Staff Building and the triumphal arch, and the ensemble of the Senate Square with the buildings of the Senate and Synod.
The revival of the Empire style, as a majestic imperial style, took place in the Soviet Union from the mid-30s to the mid-50s of the 20th century. This direction in architecture was named "Stalinist Empire".
