Greek Revival Architecture Circa 1825 1860 REMEMBER Revival

Greek Revival Architecture Circa 1825 -1860

REMEMBER • Revival styles are adopted from earlier styles that were typically built in brick—revival styles in NS are typically wooden construction • Architecture in NS is RARELY purely one style so expect Gothic Revival, Romanesque, Queen Anne, styles to be mixed in—a house that is 200 years old has likely had some additions

Greek Revival This is a very pure example of the style. This would be extremely rare in NS. This photo is from Saratoga, New York. Revival styles spread from Europe to the United States and Canada at the same time. Many American examples are very large and close to pure in their design. In NS where most people had less money Greek Revival homes tended to be much smaller and simpler.

Character Defining Elements • • • Pedimented gable Symmetrical shape Heavy cornice Wide, plain frieze Bold, simple moldings

A pediment is a low-pitched triangular gable on the front of some buildings in the Grecian or Greek Revival style of architecture.

Symmetrical Shape (Exterior) Each side of the house will be identical. This will exclude additions and chimneys typically. Lincoln Meister House, New Ross

The cornice is the uppermost section of moldings along the top of a wall or just below a roof. In Classical architecture, the cornice is the upper portion of the entablature. Cornice is typically angled out away from house forming a ledge.

A frieze is a horizontal band that runs above doorways and windows or below the cornice. The frieze may be decorated with designs or carvings—this is more typically on stone buildings. Most Greek Revival friezes are plain and wide, 4 -8 inches.

Other Character Defining Elements (Not always present) • Entry porch with columns • there are different types of columns • Decorative pilasters • around doorways • cornerboards • Narrow windows around front door • Temple-style projection • This is often a very small cross-gabled projection • The gable will be pedimented

Porch with Columns This is a very modern home that shows only some Greek Revival elements. The columns shown would be typical for NS: • Simple capitals and bases • Square columns, round columns are more rare The pediment is shown well in this photo and a plain wide frieze—there is no architrave.

Decorative Pilasters A pilaster is a rectangular support that resembles a flat column. The pilaster projects only slightly from the wall, and has a base, a shaft, and a capital. Typically around doors and made as cornerboards. See Lincoln Meister House

Temple-style front with a projecting addition. The roof of the tower gives the look of the pediment. Simpsons Corner Union Church