RR 9-Gardens...the icing of architecture

Gardens...the icing of architecture

Roth: 452-458; Ching: 584-585; 588

"All gardening is landscape painting," a quote by Alexander Pope that influenced the English people to transform their gardens into works of art. A movement that would soon be followed by many then and even in present day.

*One of the most well-known and viewable landscapes today is that of Stourhead, England. This was designed by Sir Henry Hoare, who used Claude's Coast View of Delos with Aenas. Using this painting, along with others Hoare simply recreated what he saw on the canvas. He brought it to life..imaginary to reality. These enormous gardens were almost synonymously complicated and elaborated as the actual structure it framed. Taking almost 40 years to complete, Hoare made this his occupation and contribution to future landscape builders.

The picture to the left captures the modern day gardens of Stourhead. Still so picturesque as it was back in the mid 1700s.

http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/photo646812.htm

Meanwhile in Buckinghamshire, England, the Stowe Gardens were being built and taking a different approach to appreciating its beauty. Touring the gardens by people other than the owners was growing in popularity. The elaborate gardens signified high class and social gatherings. Influenced as well by Alexander Pope, the Stowe Gardens incorporated aTemple of Ancient Virtue and a Temple of Modern Virtue. These structures honored those who had influenced them or had a significant impact on their architecture. The Stowe Gardens also created a bridge for the English to understand the Native Americans. Their gardens allowed them to brand out in their thinking about civilization. The inception of Eurocentrism is believed to have its origins around this time.

The picture showcases the Temple of British Worthies in the Stowe Gardens. This structure is a monument dedicated to significant people of that time including William Shakespeare, John Milton, Alexander Pope, and many more.

http://www.planetware.com/picture/buckingham-stowe-landscape-gardens-eng-gb474.htm

Gardens gained popularity in China as well. Influences from Ji Cheng's Yuan Zhi

("Gardening") helped the Chinese design such a beautiful garden. The Chinese believed gardens should be in accord with every angle that each person views when walking on pathways. They put their focus on three different elements of the Qingyi garden: an island in the center of the lake, a Buddhist monument at the northern corner, and a tall pagoda on the hills in the west. No matter where you are when walking along the path, all three of these structures can be seen. The gardens in England were first and foremost made for the owner and his household, then bystanders could take in the scenery. The gardens in China differed from England because the Chinese created them for everyone's pleasure and enjoyment.

The picture to the right showcases the Summer Palace in Beijing as it is now called. Very different from England gardens, but still undeniably PICTURESQUE!

http://www.ebeijing.gov.cn/feature_2/Sino_ltaly_culture_year/Contrast/Heritage/Beijing/t920827.htm

*~These artists brought paintings of landscapes to life through physical forms. Once again architecture prevails by recreating the imaginations pictures into real life structures.