History of gardens and parks III - Baroque style

The castle of Sanssoucci in Potsdam: Fountains are a must have

In the seventeenth century, the Gardens become larger and larger. In the Baroque era, gardens and parks of castles were huge. The splendor and symmetry of the buildings are also reflected in the gardens. They are symmetrical and look as if they were constructed with a compass and ruler. This is a sign that the man-made order is above nature.

In the center of the garden there is usually a castle, in front of which there is a courtyard of honor, where the king used to receive guests. On the front side of the garden is the parterre. This is an area with low planting, further back is the Boskett area, there are high hedges and sculptures. The Boskett area is usually represented like different rooms, because of the high hedges.

André Le Nôtre (Wikipedia, public domain)

The gardens date back to the Italian parks. They always changed from time to time. Events of that time and relevant historical figures are depicted in magnificent fountains and groups of figures.

-          Baroque gardens were constructed with a ruler and compasses, which suggests that         gardens in the Baroque style are very symmetrical.

-          The castle of a garden is usually located in the center and not on the edge.

-          The Baroque garden is a further development and increase of the previous Renaissance garden (goes back to Italian gardens).

-          The aim was to create the perfection of the garden.

-          The Baroque garden reflects the royal absolutism.

-          The most important garden architect of the Baroque period was André Le Notre. The famous palace garden of Versailles was planned by him.

Symmetry rules - The castle of Het Loo (Netherlands)

Symmetry rules II - The castle of Het Loo (Netherlands)

 

 

Palacio Nacional de Queluz (close to Lisbon): Rokoko style gardens