Thursday, June 30, 2011

Neoclassical Paneling

Rounding out the collection of rooms at the Getty is the Neoclassical style (possibly my favorite). Together, these styles make up the collection of decorative arts at the museum.

The highlight of the Neoclassical collections is a paneled room designed by the famous Parisian architect Claude-Nicholas Ledoux. Designed for the house of a wealthy plantation owner from Santo Domingo as a Parisian base, the paneling entered American hands after demolition of the Ledoux designed complex in the late 19th century.

You can clearly see the emphasis on ancient Greek and Roman design of the Neoclassical movement, born out of the rediscovery of ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum. This was a direct and contrary response to the fluidity of the previously popular Rococo style (again, you see this following the political climate of a populace fighting against their ancient aristocracy during the age of enlightenment).

The details in this room are simply amazing and I love all of the mirrored surfaces. Hopefully now you can see why I love the Getty so much, and not just for the gorgeous Richard Meier designed campus!

10 comments:

Terry said...

This stuff will always take our away. I didn't appreciate it so much in my youth, but I'm learning.

Mark D. Ruffner said...

I never tire looking at Neoclassic details. Thank goodness this was saved!

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Terry, yes, I think I appreciate it now more than as child (where I was more impressed by Baroque or Rococo).
Mark, I just wish the entire Ledoux complex of townhouses had been saved!

decorative deluxe said...

Thanks for posting Neo Classic is my favorite!

The Devoted Classicist said...

Truly fabulous! And thanks for the detail of the incredible latch! My projects sometimes have custom decorative hardware, but this really sets the bar high!

Hels said...

*deep sigh* Why was the Ledoux designed complex demolished in the late 19th century? What would have happened to these splendid interiors, had they not be sent off to their new home?

Janet said...

I would love to see the Getty. I think ti would take me DAYS to get through it though. Thanks for these awesome shots!

Nadia Palacios said...

This is a great series you've been doing, on the Baroque, Rococco, and Neo-Classical. The painted grotesques are beautiful (on the wood paneling)! Thanks for capturing all the beautiful details.

quintessence said...

Gorgeous - I'm with Mark - love all the details. So wish I could have seen this exhibit in person but your recap is the next best thing!

Thombeau said...

I LOVE IT!!!