Let’s back up a bit and see why the Romantic Period was such a revolution in the world of Landscape Design. In the centuries before the Romantic Period Landscape Design was ruled by Roman influence. Over sized fountains, concrete structures and neatly trimmed symmetrical gardens were made the norm during the Renaissance Period of the 17th century in Western Europe. The Villa d’Este in Tivioli is a perfect example of this Landscape Design which is shown in the following pictures:
As the 17th century and Renaissance Period ended a new style and way of thinking was breaking through. Western Europeans were tired of the structure that came with the rule of Monarchy. An air of change was on the horizon. With Europeans breaking free from their home land and traveling to the Americas to start an independent life there came a feeling of freedom and independence.
The beginning of the 18th century brought the beginning of the Romantic /Picturesque Period. One of the leaders of this movement was William Gilpin (1724 – 1804).
William Gilpin was an accomplished artist who preferred untamed nature over structured gardens.
He felt that Landscape Designers of the Roman influence were imposing stereotypical design solutions onto the landscape, instead of responding to the natural topography.
In 1791 he wrote a book titled Remarks on Forest Scenery
where he described the picturesque appeal of twisted trees, exposed roots and irregular land forms. He commented on the quality of wild and rough texture.
William Gilpin was an accomplished artist who preferred untamed nature over structured gardens.
He felt that Landscape Designers of the Roman influence were imposing stereotypical design solutions onto the landscape, instead of responding to the natural topography.
In 1791 he wrote a book titled Remarks on Forest Scenery
where he described the picturesque appeal of twisted trees, exposed roots and irregular land forms. He commented on the quality of wild and rough texture.
By the 18th century the English shed excess made popular by Italian influence. They infused their garden style with Asian influence. By doing so the garden’s essence was brought back to emulating untamed nature. This movement was catagorized as the Romantic/Picturesque period.
The geometric symmetry found in the structured gardens were replaced with informal.
Mass planting, flowing meandering streams and irregularly shaped ponds became the goal of this style. Families used these man-made ponds as a place to gather and celebrate as well as a place to reflect and relax. Water Features of this period emphasized on the mirroring of the natural landscape. There was a respect for nature rather than an effort to harness and control it.
Reflections
I think this would be very useful to me, who is planning to study environment.I think the change of landscape design also influenced not only the garden but art too. You will find a perfect example of art impersonating life as well as life impersonating art.
Artist like Claude Lorrain,
(seaport at sunset 1639)
Gaspar Poussin
(Gaspard Doghuet (1613-27 may 1675)
and Salvator Rosa
Mass planting, flowing meandering streams and irregularly shaped ponds became the goal of this style. Families used these man-made ponds as a place to gather and celebrate as well as a place to reflect and relax. Water Features of this period emphasized on the mirroring of the natural landscape. There was a respect for nature rather than an effort to harness and control it.
Reflections
I think this would be very useful to me, who is planning to study environment.I think the change of landscape design also influenced not only the garden but art too. You will find a perfect example of art impersonating life as well as life impersonating art.
Artist like Claude Lorrain,
(seaport at sunset 1639)Gaspar Poussin
(Gaspard Doghuet (1613-27 may 1675)and Salvator Rosa
Landscape with Tobias and the Angel (ca. 1660-73) - Salvator Rosa
depicted natural landscapes in their masterpieces and in turn Landscape Designers copied many of their works of art in their design.
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