Octagon on cube (also octagon on the quadrangle) is a type of architectural composition in which a building is designed so as the upper octagon-shaped part is placed on the lower cube-shaped part.[1] This composition has been mainly used to design Russian Orthodox churches.[2][3]
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History
editInitially, this architectural solution became widespread in Russian wooden church architecture. At the end of the 17th century, the style firmly established itself among architects of the Moscow Baroque.[4] The combination of contrasting forms of this type of church gives striving upward look as dynamism is a characteristic of the Baroque style. Octagon-on-cube churches continued to be built in Russian provinces until the end of the 18th century.[citation needed]
Evolution of Moscow Baroque
editWith regard to the Moscow Baroque, there are several different types of octagon-on-cube churches. The main one is a stand-alone, multi-level church, built mainly by the Russian nobility for their suburban estates. The essential attribute of these buildings is a combination of church and bell tower in a single composition. Directly over the octagon level was arranged an open level with eight bells. This type of churches are the starting point for all other versions of the composition.[5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "UNESCO World Heritage Site". Kizhi Museum. kizhi.karelia.ru. Retrieved 13 October 2016.
- ^ Jargin, Sergei. "Old and new wooden architecture of northern Russia". DOMUS. domusweb.it. Retrieved 13 October 2016.
- ^ "Church of John the Baptist in Roshchenie (1710-17), Interior, Southeast Corner, with Frescoes, Vologda, Russia". wdl.org. World Digital Library. Retrieved 13 October 2016.
- ^ "Moscow Baroque". encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 13 October 2016.
- ^ "О церкви Трех Святителей у Красных ворот, или История московского барокко" (in Russian). e-reading.club. Retrieved 14 October 2016.