The New Guardhouse Flashcards
Function:
A guardhouse for theRoyal Palaceand a memorial to Berlin’s liberation from Napoleon’s forces.
Composition:
Symmetrical, wider than it is high, strong geometric form characterised by a central portico and two flanking bastions.
Balance of vertical and horizonal forms:
Vertical emphasis of the bastions and columns is counterbalanced by the horizontal forms of the entablature, dentilated cornice, stylobate and stereobate.
Portico:
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.
Bastions with parapet:
Provides a vantage point from which guards could observe.
Pediment:
Triangular pediment containing a tympanum with a bas-relief of a classical military-style scene featuring Nike, the goddess of victory.
Metopes
Emulates the Doric temples of ancient Greece.
Lack of windows:
To minimise points of entry for possible attack.
Influence of Neoclassicism:
Evident in the building’s classical language and restrained ornamentation.
Classical ‘Greek Revival’ style:
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).
Austere appearance:
Monochrome stone, minimal entranceways and ornamentation emphasise the defensive function of the building – intended to deter enemy attack.
Ordered, linear design:
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.
Expensive craftsmanship:
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.
French Occupation of Berlin (1806 -1813)
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).
French retreat from Germany (1813) and defeat at the Battle of Waterloo (1815)
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.
Symbol of Prussian Imperial pride
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.
King Frederick William III of Prussia
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.
Ashlar masonry and lack of windows:
Contribute to the austere (severe) façade.
Relief carving/embellishment:
Dressed stonework e.g. relief sculpture, cornice, metopes, advertises the prestige of the authority of the patron and Prussia.
Plinth, bastions, minimal entrances:
Imply the severity of fortified place.
Political identity
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).
National identity
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.
