Christopher Wren: In Search of Eastern Antiquity (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781913107079)

A fresh look at the Eastern origins of Christopher Wren's architecture

In this revelatory study of one of the great architects in British history, Vaughan Hart considers Christopher Wren's (1632-1723) interest in Eastern antiquity and Ottoman architecture, an interest that would animate much of his theory and practice. As the early modern understanding of antiquity broadened to include new discoveries at Palmyra and Persepolis, Wren disputed common assumptions about the European origins of Classical and Gothic architecture, tracing these building traditions not to the Greeks or Germans but to the stonemasons of the biblical East. In a deft analysis, Hart contextualizes Wren's use of classical elements--columns, domes, and cross plans--within his enthusiasm for the East and the broader Anglican interest in the Eastern church. A careful study of diary records reappraises Wren's working relationship with Robert Hooke (1635-1703), who shared in many of Wren's theoretical commitments. The result is a new, deepened understanding of Wren's work.

Distributed for the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art

Author: Vaughan Hart
ISBN-10: 1913107078
ISBN-13: 9781913107079
Publisher: Paul Mellon Centre
Language: English
Published: 04/28/2020
Pages: 232
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 2.85lbs
Size: 11.30h x 9.00w x 0.90d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 11/01/2020