Palladianism – an introduction
Find out more about the classical design style
Palladianism
Palladianism is a classical style, fashionable in Britain between 1715 and 1760, based on the designs of the 16th-century Venetian architect Andrea Palladio (1508 – 80). Palladio had a profound influence on European architecture from the 17th century, reinterpreting the forms and ornament of ancient Roman buildings to create an architecture based on symmetry, proportion and perspective.
Collection highlights
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Drawing, measured elevation of a rusticated doorway to the Garden near the Great Theatre at Vicenza by Palladio, designed by Sir William Chambers, about 1755, England -
Corinthian capital, about 1700, England -
Plan du Jardin & Vue des Maisons de Chiswick, by Jean Rocque, 1736, London, England -
The Designs of Inigo Jones and others, plate 38, etching with engraving, designed by William Kent, 1743, London, England -
The Forster Baby House, dolls' house, 1720 – 30, London, England -
Commode, designed by Henry Flitcroft, made by William Hallett Sr, 1740 – 46, London, England -
Bracket, painted and gilded wood, designed by Richard Boyle or William Kent, about 1730, London, England -
Mirror, with barometer and clock shelf, about 1720, London, England -
Wansted House, plate from Vitruvius Britannicus; or, The British architect, Vol. 1, by Colen Campbell, 1731, London, England -
The Designs of Inigo Jones Consisting of Plans and Elevations for Publick [sic] and Private Buildings, plate 72, by William Kent, 1727, London, England -
(Detail) Ceiling from the drawing room of No. 11, Henrietta Place, London, designed by James Gibbs, about 1727 – 30, London, England -
St Martin's-in-the-Fields, engraving, by William Henry Toms after Robert West, 1738, England -
Chiswick table, console table, designed by William Kent, made by John Boson, 1727 – 32, London, England
Features
Background image: Wansted House, plate from Vitruvius Britannicus; or, The British architect, Vol. 1, by Colen Campbell, 1731, London. Museum no. L.4058-1961. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London