The luxuriousness and ornate detailing of this cardinal architectural dash is once again reigning supreme . find out more about its history and key architectural features .
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In the landscape of architectural styles , you likely wo n’t find one with quite so much striking prayer as Second Empire . Its steeply sloped and twice - pitched rooflines , cake - like tiers , and cosmetic item and flourishes make it one that easy stands apart from a crowd .
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If it sounds intimate , it ’s probably because it pulls its inspiration from a amplitude ofother architectural styles , most notablyItalianate , which is why you ’ll observe its features more or less of a mishmash of variousVictorian styles . Here , we partake in a brief history of Second Empire style as well as bust down the most illustrious characteristic of this unique and highly flowery computer architecture .
History of Second Empire Style
Second Empire style might also be referred to as Napoleon III style , French Second style , or Mansard elan . It was developed in France during the reign of Napoleon III , whose work to extend the boulevards and parks of Paris aid create much of the iconic style and defining features of the metropolis as we know it today . Stateside , Second Empire manner enjoyed a short reign as it surged in popularity from around 1860 through the 1870s , peak during the post - Civil War years . Before its popularity came to an abrupt halt due to the economic depressive disorder of 1873 , it was predominant throughout the Midwest and Northeastern parts of the nation , though it could occasionally be witness on the West Coast as well .
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Key Architecture Features
Before you abuse foot in a Second Empire - style construction , there are certain features that make it easily identifiable .
Mansard Roof : The most identifiable lineament of Second Empire stylus is the mansard ceiling , a combination of both hipped ( sloped on all sides ) and gambrel ( dual gradient on each side ) roof manner . Mansard cap created much more available , light - fill space within the home as this style allowed for a fully working noggin . To impart plenty of natural igniter within the space , dormers are often incorporated into mansard roofs .
Tower - Like component : Another feature you might notice with Second Empire architecture is the comprehension of a tower - like element that ’s either straight or orthogonal .
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symmetric , Box - Like Forms : While there are asymmetrical variety of Second Empire architecture , like L - influence layouts , this elan is most often contrive with symmetricalness in mind .
unstinting and Ornamental Details : Second Empire style is not one that harbour back when it issue forth to the detail . Iron cresting on the roof , ornate balustrades , cornices , and ornamental cornerstones or quoins are all well within its stylistic realm . Windows were also extremely decorative with elaborate detailing from the hoods to the environs .
Key Design Elements
The interiors of Second Empire - style computer architecture have a few defining features of their own , though most of them hinge on the opulence and luxury that come along with the exterior .
Sculptures : supporting beams in the contour of a mankind ( Atlante ) or woman ( caryatid)are sign of the most opulent of Second Empire style .
Ornate Fireplaces : A fireplace is often the primal element of a space and sometimes paired with a towering mirror over the mantel and gilded candelabras .
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Ornate Light fixture : Chandeliers and sconces were anything but subtle in this architectural era . They were cock-a-hoop , bold , and capable to stand up against likewise weighty element discover throughout the rest of Second Empire - style dwellings .
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Notable Examples of Second Empire Style
Philadelphia City Hall : The building is compose of brick , whitened marble , and limestone elements with a large , centrally located clock tug . It took ten to work up but was finish in 1901 . It sport an abundance of exterior sculptures with a statue of the city ’s founder locate at its highest point atop the clock tower .
Baltimore City Hall : Completed in 1875 , the marble building includes a 227 - infantry dome and an copiousness of cast - iron elements . It also feature a mansard cap , bowed windows , and other ornamental detail like Corinthian columns that are synonymous with Second Empire style .
Eisenhower Executive Office Building : The government building site on Pennsylvania Avenue is a great object lesson of Second Empire Style , though less ornate than others . This more linear approach sacrifice it an “ Americanized ” look , according to an article byThe Offices of the White House Staff . It was commissioned by President Ulysses S. Grant , which is why the Second Empire vogue is sometimes referred to as the General Grant style . It ingest 17 years to build , with completion in 1888 .
