The New Guardhouse

Question 1

Function:

Answer 1

A guardhouse for theRoyal Palaceand a memorial to Berlin’s liberation from Napoleon’s forces.

Question 2

Composition:

Answer 2

Symmetrical, wider than it is high, strong geometric form characterised by a central portico and two flanking bastions.

Question 3

Balance of vertical and horizonal forms:

Answer 3

Vertical emphasis of the bastions and columns is counterbalanced by the horizontal forms of the entablature, dentilated cornice, stylobate and stereobate.

Question 4

Portico:

Answer 4

Features a hexastyle and tetrastyle arrangement of Doric columns (six on the front, four behind). The masculine order according to Vitruvius. Provides shelter for the guards on duty.

Question 5

Bastions with parapet:

Answer 5

Provides a vantage point from which guards could observe.

Question 6

Pediment:

Answer 6

Triangular pediment containing a tympanum with a bas-relief of a classical military-style scene featuring Nike, the goddess of victory.

Question 7

Metopes

Answer 7

Emulates the Doric temples of ancient Greece.

Question 8

Lack of windows:

Answer 8

To minimise points of entry for possible attack.

Question 9

Influence of Neoclassicism:

Answer 9

Evident in the building’s classical language and restrained ornamentation.

Question 10

Classical ‘Greek Revival’ style:

Answer 10

Recalls the strength and order of ancient armies and empires; Greek style rather than Roman (e.g. Doric columns as opposed to Corinthian columns) as Imperial Roman architecture was associated with Napoleon and his French army (who had recently occupied Germany).

Question 11

Austere appearance:

Answer 11

Monochrome stone, minimal entranceways and ornamentation emphasise the defensive function of the building – intended to deter enemy attack.

Question 12

Ordered, linear design:

Answer 12

Sense of symmetry and masculine strength (Doric columns) is reminiscent of soldiers standing to attention. A visual expression of the military prowess and might of the Prussian forces.

Question 13

Expensive craftsmanship:

Answer 13

E.g. relief sculpture, dentilated cornice, fluted columns advertise the authority and wealth of the Prussian empire, and by extension, the patron: King Frederick William III of Prussia.

Question 14

French Occupation of Berlin (1806 -1813)

Answer 14

After Berlinwas captured byNapoleon’s Frenchforces, Prussia became avassal of France, forced to pay largeindemnities. This was a major blow to Prussian leadership under King Frederick William III. The New Guardhouse reflects Prussia’s attempt to restore the reputation of its army following the French occupation (1806-1813).

Question 15

French retreat from Germany (1813) and defeat at the Battle of Waterloo (1815)

Answer 15

During the occupation, Prussia launched a plan of revenge against France. The reformed Prussian forces played a key role in the French retreat from Germany in 1813, and during Napoleon’s defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The building’s classical references to victory (i.e. Nike, goddess of victory) express the importance of the Prussian victory over the French.

Question 16

Symbol of Prussian Imperial pride

Answer 16

The building also provided a guardhouse for the King’s royal residences nearby. It provided a visual expression of Prussian pride after the defeat of Napoleon, highlighting the strength and might of the Prussian empire and its ruler.

Question 17

King Frederick William III of Prussia

Answer 17

Criticised for his weakness and neutrality during the Napoleonic Wars – consequently losing half of his kingdom. The New Guardhouse represents his attempt to restore his reputation – an attempt to unite the military, the monarchy and the general public in the centre of the city.

Question 18

Ashlar masonry and lack of windows:

Answer 18

Contribute to the austere (severe) façade.

Question 19

Relief carving/embellishment:

Answer 19

Dressed stonework e.g. relief sculpture, cornice, metopes, advertises the prestige of the authority of the patron and Prussia.

Question 20

Plinth, bastions, minimal entrances:

Answer 20

Imply the severity of fortified place.

Question 21

Political identity

Answer 21

Associated with classical values such as culture, intellect, and military prowess, European leaders erected monuments and buildings in the Neoclassical style to align their own empires with the greatness of the ancient world (see Napoleon, Arc de Troimphe).

Question 22

National identity

Answer 22

The ornamentation of the New Guardhouse recalls the strength and order of ancient armies and empires; using the Greek style rather than Roman (e.g. Doric columns as opposed to Corinthian columns) as Imperial Roman architecture was associated with Napoleon and his French army. Therefore heralding the birth of a new Prussian identity.