The Maison Carrée in Nîmes, France (top image) is one of the best preserved of all ancient Roman temples. Significantly, it is NOT in Rome but was erected in the Roman province of Gaul (as the region of France was known in antiquity). Art and architecture in the provinces was one means for the Romans to assert their authority through visual presence, even at great distance from the ancient capital.
When the American president Thomas Jefferson traveled through France in 1787, he visited the Maison Carrée and declared that it was "the most perfect and precious remains of antiquity." When he returned home, he also modeled his architectural design for the Virginia State Capitol (bottom image) in Richmond on the Maison Carrée. Interestingly, Jefferson never visited Rome and so his appreciation for the temple in Nîmes may have been inflected in part by his lack of firsthand knowledge of more famous Roman buildings. Yet even so, why do you think Jefferson might have found the Maison Carrée so appealing and how did he adapt its model in his design for the Virginia Capitol (i.e. what is similar and different between the buildings)? And what do you notice about how the Maison Carrée itself differs from the design of the ancient Greek Parthenon?
I think that Jefferson may have found the Maison Carree so appealing because it still stands erect after so much time. The fact that this temple has lasted the trials through time, appealed to Jefferson's hope that the United States could very well do the same. The Maison Carree has stood strong and only continues to assert the fact that the Romans once were a great empire. The grand scale of the Maison Carree is also simply breathtaking.
ReplyDeleteThe Virginia Capitol is a splitting image of the Maison Carree. Though they share many similarities, such as the six columns in the front and the details on the pediment, there are many differences. For one, the columns are very different. Not only is the structure of the Virginia Capitol larger causing the columns to be taller, the spacing between the columns is wider and the design of the columns is different. The Virginia Capitol is Ionic and much simpler compared to the Maison Carree, which are of the Corinthian order and a lot more ornate. The Virginia Capitol also lacks the inscribing underneath the pediment. There are also no columns along the sides of the Virginia Capitol, as it just becomes a structure with four walls. The Virginia Capitol also has additions on each side.
There are numerous differences between the Maison Carree and the Greek Parthenon. The columns differ once again, as the Parthenon's columns are Ionic; they also taper in towards the top (entasis) contrary to the columns of Maison Carree whose columns to me seem as if they are completely parallel. The Maison Carree is significantly smaller than the Parthenon - it has only six columns compared to the eight that the Parthenon has in front and the amount on the sides is an even larger difference. There is no ornate carving (relief sculpture) in the pediment of the Maison Carree. The Parthenon in fact is very much decorated with numerous relief sculptures that the Maison Carree, for the most part, lacks. The entrance to the inside of the Maison Carree also seems to be facing the front as opposed to the Parthenon whose entrance is in the back.
Great observations all around, Julia! Your point about how Jefferson wanted the United States to have the same lasting legacy as ancient Rome is simple but essential: the revival of classical architecture from the Renaissance to the present is motivated precisely by that desire.
DeleteJefferson probably liked the Maison Carree so much because it still remains to be a symbol for strength and order. The building has lasted several hundred years and its grandeur still demands respect and reverence.
ReplyDeleteJefferson based the State capitol off of the Maison Carree in many respects like an imposed stature, but he added newer aged designs to influence the architecture. He simplified the design for the VA capitol by including fewer, less intricate pillars. He made the Capitol more of a building and of a sculptural relic by including more box shapes and adding smaller pediments.
The Parthenon has more sculptures pertaining to the glory of Greece, while the Maison Carree seems to just have intricate designs the don't have any real story or pupose other than to prove the Romans had the power and ingenuity to create such a work of art. The Maison Carree shows simpler architecture with parallel pillars while the Parthenon has entasis designed pillars.
indeed, the smaller scale of the Maison Carree made the use of entasis in the columns less essential and ruled out an elaborate sculptural program on the scale of the Parthenon
DeleteI agree with what Julia and Kaitlyn said about how the Maison Carree represents both strength and order. Furthermore, I think that Jefferson was appealed by the Maison Carree's grandeur because of the immensity of its corinthian columns in front and its engaged corinthian columns on the side as well as the impressive steps leading up to the building. Walking up those steps must have added to his experience of the Maison Carree. In addition, the dentils on the pediment and bedmould must have had an effect on Jefferson as seen by the inclusion of this detail on the Virginia Capital. I wonder how much more ornate the Virginia Capital would have been if Jefferson had seen the Greek Parthenon in Rome rather than the Maison Carree in Nimes. While there is an increase in detail in the columns in comparison to the doric columns of the Parthenon, the Maison Career looks fairly simple in its design. The relief sculpture on the Maison Carree is simply a pattern of flowers and leaves rather than an entire scene of men and women, and there are no sculptures in the round on the pediment. The corinthian columns on the side are also not fully in the round--half of the column is touching the wall of the building. In addition, the way to enter the Maison Carree is simpler than that of the Parthenon: it does not appear to force the visiter to walk around the building, following the story of the frieze, like in the Parthenon--in fact, there is no story in the frieze. In this sense, the Maison Carree is even less impressive than the Parthenon because the experience of the building is not fully realized.
ReplyDeleteYes, good point about the engaged columns (i.e. columns half embedded in the wall) along the back of the Maison Carree -- as we discussed in class, the Romans syncretized Greek temples with Etruscan models that included a cella with closed-off walls in the back of temple buildings. And absolutely, walking up the steep stairs of the Maison Carree is quite an experience!
DeleteI agree with what has been said about the Maison Carree representing both strength and order. I think that Jefferson also found the openness of the entrance quite appealing. One can view the design as a massive version of a normal house's porch. Perhaps Jefferson wanted to make the State Capitol seem more familiar and less austere to the people in order to emphasize that democracy rules, and that the people working within the Capitol are no different from regular citizens. That being said, it is the hub of a state's government and must be given the proper grandeur it deserves, which it is why it was built to its gigantic size. I also notice that the Capitol seems a lot cleaner than the Maison Carree and Parthenon. What I mean is that the columns are not lined and there are not as many designs carved into the walls. It also has wings added into the main hall, while the other two buildings are stand alone structures. This may reflect simply the situation in which it was built; the State Capitol would have needed to fit a lot more people than the Maison Carree and Parthenon did. It also may be a result of Jefferson wanting to establish American architecture and how it differs from the ancient relics.
ReplyDeleteNice points, Daniel. And yes, Jefferson chose Ionic rather than Corinthian columns for the Virginia State Capitol because he feared that American craftsmen could not execute the elaborate designs and details of the Roman originals!
DeleteIt seems likely to me that Jefferson was struck with the vertical orientation of the Maison Carree. The front entrance to this building is narrow and extremely tall. This likely contributed to the impression of power that others are referring to. Jefferson seems to mimic this more narrow and high entrance in the Virginia capitol.
ReplyDeleteHowever, Jefferson does add branches to the side of the central structure- a feature not exhibited in Maison Caree. Jefferson's choice may have been practical/functional (to accomodate the size of the building, which is located on a hill) or personal style (many of Jefferson's other buildings have a similar design).
It is also important to note the lack of sculpture on the exterior of the Maison Curee- in particular the lack of figures on the frieze. As we discussed in class, the Romans were not as highly skilled as the Greeks at sculpture. There are also other obvious differences (as others have mentioned) in the columnal order. The reason that the Romans chose a more elaborate order may have been because they were trying to convey their power and skill to the French. They surely wanted to inspire awe and reverence in conquered lands.
Nice thought about how the Romans chose a more elaborate decorative style (Corinthian) as a means to express their power and wealth in the context of the province of Gaul!
DeleteI think Jefferson modeled the Virginia State Capitol after the Maison Carree because of how it represents strength and dignity. He wants his nation to become inspired by the greatness that has been accomplished by the Romans.
ReplyDeleteThe Maison Carree is appealing because it is so massive and portrays strength. In the photograph on the top, you can see just how massive it is by comparing the size of the woman to the monument. Because it is so magnificent, this building is a perfect base for what Jefferson wanted for his country.
The two buildings are quite similar. The Capitol, however, has online column on either side, as opposed to the Maison Carree which has many. I think Jefferson portrayed the side columns in a different way than the Romans by having them on separate buildings to the sides of the main building. Overall, the main ideas of the Maison Carree are kept consistent on the Capitol building. I think the minute details, such Salinas and designs, that Jefferson may not have been immediately attracted to have been left out primarily for that reason. Maybe these details were also left out because Jefferson felt as if they were specific to the Romans and not so much to the Americans.
These columns are different from the Parthenon's in that they are parallel and do not taper up. The Maison Carree is also lacking in sculpture; the portions that are covered in sculpture on the Parthenon are left smooth on the Maison Carree. This makes the Maison Carree seem less of a story-telling piece and more of an overall monumental structure.
Good point about how the Maison Carree is less about narrative and storytelling in the experience of walking around the building but instead impacts the viewer as a whole monument
DeleteThomas Jefferson was probably drawn to the Maison Carrée in Nîmes because it was built to show political power but served people through the centuries in various ways (e.g. as a building for political and religious parties as well as apartments for civilians). He took certain features of Maison Carrée, such as the six columns in front and the large pediment, so people could make an association with it but he transformed it enough to modernize it. Instead of having fluted columns and a corinthian order, the building has smooth columns with an ionic order that makes the building much more approachable to the commoner. Furthermore, because the Virginia State Capitol branches off on either side of the building, it emphasizes horizontality more than Maison Carrée and seems more welcoming; the tall rectangular Maison Carrée's verticality looks much more closed off especially because it does not have any windows. This makes the Maison Carée seem like a secluded area for authorized people only. The Virginia State Capitol's location, on top of a small hill, emphasizes its power by elevating itself from surrounding areas. Both buildings utilize many long steps in front to make the building look majestic. Unlike the Maison Carrée, the Parthenon is detailed with various relief sculptures to honor Athena and to celebrate the Greeks. The Maison Carrée is decorated enough to show the power of the state but avoids decor that may be mistaken for as religious.
ReplyDeleteYes, as has come up in some of the previous comment as well, the additional horizontal branches of the Virginia Capitol makes it appear grander on its hilltop setting but does deviate from the original verticality of the Maison Carree
Delete1787 was a year where the Articles of Confederation were being moulded and shaped. As America was steadily forming itself as the United States, the longstanding Maison Carrée probably struck Jefferson as very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI think Jefferson was struck by the building's balance of simplicity and ornateness. Although the building itself is composed of simple, geometric shapes, it contains beautiful details and engravings. I feel that the Virginia State Capitol lacks these details; maybe Jefferson wished America to be a country that always stayed true to its founding purposes or ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Virginia State Capitol appears much more modern and less antique than the Maison Carrée, which is fitting because the Romans had a deeper and longer history.
Very well put -- the balance of austere monumental simplicity and select ornate details in the Maison Carree is one of its appealing features, and Jefferson certainly was drawn to classical architecture because of its inherent sense of order and balance
DeleteThe Parthenon is considered the "perfect" or "right" architectural structure. The design of Maison Carree highly resembles the design of the Parthenon. Maison Carree also applies the concept y=2x+1 on the number of the columns. Consequently, the design of Maison Carree can also represent "perfection". Additionally, Maison Carree is a Corinthian temple which is different from the Parthenon. This new style at that time was quite an innovation. Perhaps it was the sense of perfection and innovation that made Jerfferson so fascinated with this architecture. Except for the style, there are also other differences between Maison Carree and Parthenon. For example, the design of the staircase is different. There is a platform under the columns of Maison Carree. Additionally, sculptures are absent from the pediment of Maison Carree, while the Parthenon is famous for its pediment sculptures.
ReplyDeleteGood observation about the platform on which the Maison Carree is built, a feature that is distinctive to Roman temples and deviates from Greek models. And indeed, the Maison Carree ("Square House" in French) is well named because it is essentially two squares put together (i.e. it is nearly twice as long as it is wide).
DeleteJefferson was inspired by the Maison Carree because of its grandeur and its mesmerizing effect, which is created through the tall pillars, ornate Corinthian columns and the tall entrance to the main area of the building. The pillars also represent strength, stability and support, which are essential qualities of a strong government. They also exude a sense of cooperation, as they are all necessary to hold up the building and the same emphasis is placed on every pillar. When people enter the Maison Carree they instinctively look up at the tall pillars and the carvings on the ceiling. I think that Jefferson found this especially appealing because it can convey the message that people can look up to their strong and stable government. This is further enhanced in the Virginia Capitol as it seems to be located at the top of a hill. Jefferson adapted the model by still including the pillars in the front while modifying the inside. It seems that the inside of the Maison Carree has only one very tall level while the Virginia Capital has two levels. There are also two smaller buildings on the side. I think Jefferson made these modifications to make the Capitol a functional, productive government building. He essentially created a building with some of the magnificence of the Maison Carree with the practicality of a government building that could house important government meetings and events.
ReplyDeleteThe Maison Carree differs from the Parthenon because it lacks the intricate carvings present in the Parthenon. The Parthenon also has Doric columns while the Maison Carree has Corinthian columns. This could be due to different intentions of the commissioners of these buildings. The goal of the commissioner of the Maisen Carree may not have been trying to promote democracy and the involvement of the entire population. The Maison Carree also is not on top of a hill as it appears to be on flat ground in the presence of other buildings.
Lovely analysis of the Maison Carree as a model of democracy and good government! Jefferson surely must have thought along these lines.
DeleteJefferson loved the strength, grandeur and order of the Maison Carrée and successfully adapted the robust design into a masterpiece of his own. Compared to the original, Jefferson expanded the distance in-between columns while still keeping the same number. He favored ionic capitols over the Carrée's corinthian as well. Jefferson has windows in between flat faced columns on the sides as opposed to the stone blocks and round faced columns of the original. Much of the details remain the same along the frieze and piedmont keeping the integrity of the original.
ReplyDeleteHad Jefferson seen a number of Roman monuments from antiquity his design for the capitol may have been different. Compared to the Parthenon and Acropolis, the Maison Carrée is a little brother or sister. The Parthenon has a heightened since of order and beauty given the scenes along the frieze, entasis in the columns and plan, forcing the observer to walk around the perimeter of the building before entering. Nonetheless, the Maison Carrée is in phenomenal condition and merits the praise and attention Jefferson gave it.
Shane Rossi
Absolutely, the Maison Carree is much smaller in size and ambition than the Parthenon, but in a way its greater simplicity made it more adaptable for Jefferson in the context of designing the Virginia Capitol.
DeleteMy first reaction to the Maison Carree is that it seems to be a very orderly architecture. I can recognize some of the geometric forms that are similar to those on the Parthenon. The Maison Carree also have a very solid and strong foundation. I think Jefferson found this to be appealing because it seems to be a representation of "perfection" and "power". The Maison Carree is made up of very simple geometric shape, yet it also contains great details. It is carefully designed, and looks "right" and 'perfect". Jefferson might be drawn to the Maison Carree because of the message it conveys. He wanted his nation to have the same solid foundation as the Maison Carree, and the same greatness as the Roman Empire.
ReplyDeleteThe Maison Carree is different from the Parthenon because it is not as complicated in terms of decorations and carvings. It does not force the viewer to walk all the way to the other side in order to enter the monument. Most importantly, the Maison Carree has Corinthian columns instead of Doric columns; and its base is not curved.
Indeed, it would have been overkill to integrate curvature (or entasis) in a temple on the smaller scale of the Maison Carree!
DeleteAs others have said, the Maison Carree really does show strength in the way the tall pillars stably uphold the vast building (and have done so through time), and order in the repeating vertical shapes and patterns in the pediment. Furthermore, another aspect of the building that I think Jefferson found appealing is the simplicity of the building's design. Although it is beautiful, it is not so ornate as to be gaudy and excessive by keeping to a neutral, solid color, and orderly geometric shapes in the design. I think this reflects the idea of democracy and makes the building accessible to the whole community, like how the Greek Parthenon also kept to a comparatively simpler design because it was meant to be used by everyone.
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely interesting how the Maison Carree - even though it employs the more elaborate Corithinian order - still maintains a sense of simplicity
DeleteOne aspect of the Maison Carrée and Jefferson's State Capitol that differs from the Parthenon is the orientation of the building. In both the Maison Carrée and the Capitol building, the columns in front of the entrance are most prominent and the sides of the building simply suggests columns. The parthenon, however, has two levels of columns around the entire exterior of the building; and, as we discussed in class, the building was meant to be experienced from all sides. It seems to me that the Maison Carrée and Jefferson's building emphasize the side of the building where the entrance is located rather than all sides like the Parthenon. That being said, the Maison Carrée clearly reflects the architecture style of the parthenon with its ornate columns, Lintels, Friezes and Pediment.
ReplyDelete- Rebecca Resnic
Absolutely, Rebecca -- the fact that the Maison Carree has its entrance at the front porch and does not invite the same kind of viewer perambulation as the Parthenon is a key difference!
DeleteConsidering his comment, "the most perfect and precious remains of antiquity", it can be assumed that Jefferson appreciated its historical aspect above anything else. Comparing the Maison Carree to the Parthenon, one can see just from a glance that the Maison Carree is in much better condition than the latter. Its preservation of beauty in architecture has leaped through time to the present day, whereas, for the Parthenon, much of its architectural beauty has been damaged severely and I think this is why Jefferson found this building so appealing. In terms of design, the Maison Carree is a simpler building. Unlike the Parthenon, which is decorated with metopes and frieze running around its upper exterior walls, the Maison Carree's walls are instead replaced with plain surfaces. In addition, the Maison Carree seems to have Corinthian order of columns while Parthenon's are Doric order. Personally, I see Parthenon and I see fluidity, perhaps because the curvature of its foundation and entasis style of columns. When I look at the Maison Carree, I see firmness, as if the building is rooted into the ground of its base.
ReplyDeletenice summary point about fluidity vs. firmness in comparing the two buildings!
DeleteOne reason Jefferson might have found the Maison Carrée so appealing is because it seems to follow similar ideal Greek proportions that were copied by the Romans (and appropriated by Jefferson later). There is a strength and presence to the building that it is understandable to us, and it is not hard to imagine the awe it might have inspired in Jefferson. I believe this is due not only because of the great height but also the many large columns that had to the overwhelming feeling of structure, the sharp corners, and the delicate details throughout the building that display keen craftsmanship.
ReplyDeleteThe Virginia Capitol looks as if it tried to follow the proportions of the original, but is wider and less "airy" in feeling because there are fewer columns. Part of the original "awe" is lost I think because the proportions were made for a single presented structure, whereas the capitol has wings that pull around the sides, making the building look very different. The craftsmanship also seems to be less ostentatious.
Compared with the Parthenon, I think that this Roman structure is much less decorated, lacking the detailed battle scenes and celebrations in the metopes and frieze. However, the same airiness that you get from the Parthenon is present here as both present columns that carefully define the negative space around them (despite both being of a different order).
absolutely, Savannah, the sense of openness is largely lost in the State Capitol, and is even somewhat diminished with the closed-off cella of the Maison Carree
DeleteI can imagine when visitors just step on the front staircase and look at the facade of the Maison Caree, they will be amazed by the greatness of this architecture. It just looks tall and many delicate columns can be really appealing in the first sight.
ReplyDeleteThe Virgina Capitol still has the similar pediment, many well-made columns. However, these columns seem to be polished, which has no curves and details. There is still a large porch in the front, and it looks welcoming for people from the lower part of the hill. Jefferson added two sides of wings for the architecture. It looks wider and more spacious. This design should has its own function.
The comparison between Maison Carree and the Greek Parthenon is that the Parthenon has more elaborate details from the friezes and metopes. The design of Maison Carree looks more vertical from this picture, but the overall size of Maison Carree is smaller than the Parthenon.
yes, as also observed in comments above, the Maison Carree staircase is still very steep and impressive (in part because of the high platform on which the temple is built, a characteristic feature of Roman religious structures)
DeleteThe Maison Carrée looks simpler than the Parthenon because of the lack of a complicated frieze surrounding it and only one layer of columns. Jefferson simplified that decoration even more, getting rid of any sort of decorative frieze. His building was simple yet forceful, maintaining the strong foundation of the original building but throwing out any frilly or exaggerated aspects to show that it meant business.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, Katie, and as I mentioned above, the further simplification of the Virginia Capitol was in part because Jefferson feared American crafters could not pull off even the ornamentation required for Corinthian capitals.
DeleteAs the Maison Carrée towers over a person, he/she will probably filled with awe and reverence. It strikes people, not because of its elaborate decoration, because of its austereness. The building tries to steer away from by only decorating the tops of the columns and the friezes which gives it a clean cut feeling, and the importance is given to the building, itself, and its purpose. The stairs with the pediment lead the viewer to the entrance,which is probably housing a deity, which puts emphasis on the reverential aspect of the building. So the first thing that a person does when he enters the building is pay his respect to the god. The building's strict adherence to geometry gives it a strong foundation so that it appears monumental. Everything in the building looks stretched; the entrance is long, the columns are long which allows the sense of greatness to be emphasized.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, even if the Maison Carree was subsequently used as a private house, horse stable, town hall, etc, its original and primary function was as a religious house of worship, and the geometry of its design (square to rectangle ratio) -- even if not as elaborate as the entasis and curvature of the Parthenon -- is still essential to its spiritual and aesthetic impact
DeleteI believe the reason Jefferson was so drawn to the maison carree is because the style of architecture is universally pleasing; the strong verticals and horizontals, the symmetry, the light, airy quality created by the columns and sense of uplifting to the heavens (a result of the larger base and pointed top) are all qualities that lend themselves to a sense of power and nobility. And it is because this style of architecture relies on mere principals of design/ aesthetics and not contextual or figurative imagery to convey power and nobility, that this notion of power and nobility is universally understood. It is this universality that Jefferson was responding to.
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