Empire is considered a style of late classicism. This trend in architecture arose in France under the rule of Napoleon I and lasted the first three decades of the XIX century, replaced by eclectic currents.
Origin and style features
Empire is the final stage of classicism, which appeared in the second half of the XVIII century. In the era of Napoleon Bonaparte, classicism was reborn into the official imperial style, which was 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 was distinguished by the solemnity and splendor of memorial architecture and the grandeur of the palace interiors. Legislators of this style were the court architects of Napoleon: Charles Persier 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 moldings, pilasters and other classical elements. In addition, it is typical for the empire to use sculptures of the ancient sample, as well as sculptural structures with griffins, sphinxes, lions, etc.
Similar decorations in Empire style architecture are arranged orderly with strict symmetry. The idea of the power of the state and the state was emphasized by massive monumental forms and rich decor with elements of military symbolism borrowed from the Roman Empire, Ancient Greece and Ancient Egypt.
Empire in Russia
At the beginning of the XIX century, French culture was popular among the upper layers of Russian society. In St. Petersburg and other cities, many government buildings and homes 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".
In Russia, this style was divided into St. Petersburg and Moscow. The basis of this division was not so much territorial features as the proximity to classicism, felt more strongly in the Moscow Empire. The most famous architect of the St. Petersburg direction was Karl Rossi, who created the Mikhailovsky Palace ensemble, the Palace Square ensemble with the General Staff Building and the Arc de Triomphe, and the Senate Square ensemble with the buildings of the Senate and Synod.
The revival of the empire, as a magnificent 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 called the "Stalin Empire".
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