Dutch classicism is the architectural style that arose in the Dutch Republic around the second quarter of the seventeenth century. It is characterised by clean, symmetrical facades with classical elements — pilasters, a pediment and the classical orders — but executed more soberly and more often in brick than the Italian examples. The style is also known as Dutch or North Netherlandish classicism.
Characteristics
- Symmetry and clear proportions — the facade is composed according to classical, geometric proportions
- Pilasters and the colossal order — vertical pilasters sometimes span several storeys (the colossal order)
- Pediment and cornice work — a triangular pediment above the entrance or the central bay
- Brick with natural-stone accents — bands, cornices and cornerstones in natural stone
- Restraint — little excessive ornamentation, in contrast to the Baroque
Application
The style was applied to canal houses, town halls, churches and country estates. Well-known names associated with this style are architects such as Jacob van Campen and Pieter Post; the Palace on the Dam (the former town hall of Amsterdam) is regarded as a textbook example. When restoring such buildings, the original proportions, the window layout and the natural-stone cornice work are decisive for the appearance.
Related terms
- Architectural style
- Pilaster
- Pediment
- Colossal order
- Renaissance
- Baroque
- Cornice facade
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