The Beaux-Arts Tradition in French Architecture

Rating:
Summary: The essential work on the Beaux Arts style...
Review: I am currently working in a facility whose direct lineage is the Beaux Arts style of architecture. One of the principal architects was a graduate of the Ecole des Beaux Arts in France. While reading this book and perusing the photos in the appendices I saw the direct influence of this school.

I am not a student of architecture, nor am I student of art, but after reading this book I felt a lot more comfortable with the architecture of the building where I work. I might even go so far as to say I know have an understanding of it.

The book is thorough. The entire history of the school is traced back to its earliest beginnings in Italy up to the year 1968. Even better, the theory of design and the influence of the architecture of Antiquity is included as is the philosophical influences of Plato, Aristotle and Neo-Platonism on the entire 'spirit' of architecture.

The story behind the ateliers and the patrons and the history of the Grand Prix de Rome is included. The big names are found here and glimpses of what life must have been like in the ateliers can also be seen. The schism that occurred between crafstman and artist and why it is that the Beaux Arts came to be known as grandiose, leaving the 'less important' works such as housing to the craftsman, is traced and from this why it is that the Beaux Arts style fell so out of favor and could not keep up with change.

There is a history lesson as well as the spirit of the Revolution in France and its impact on the history of the school is included. Part history lesson and part theory it is such a thorough and all-encompassing book, any study of Beaux Arts must begin here.

The only disappointment I felt was that there was only the merest of mention of its influence on the students from America and subsequent impact in America. But I would imagine, this would be a book unto itself so it is more disappointment than criticism.