My Choice Garden Movement

Of the gardens studied during this semester of Garden Art in European Culture the style, or

movement, that resonated most strongly with me are the Gardens of Islam and Moorish Spain. My interest in this genre of European Gardening stems from the novelty of this movement and its uniqueness within the course’s content. Unlike the majority of other gardens that have been studied this semester, gardens of the Islamic world have a different source of inspiration and influence from another corner of the globe.

First of all, the majority of movements that were covered in this class showcase some tie to Christianity, or more specifically Catholicism. Gardens of the Islamic world obviously do not draw on Christian beliefs for inspiration. Rather religious texts of Islam serve as the guiding force for these gardens, especially the Qur’an. Throughout Islamic gardens, there is a universal quest to create an earthly “Paradise,” the promised destination for Muslims in the afterlife.  

Al-Azhar Park in Cairo shows an example of an earthly Paradise Source: http://www.egypttailormade.net/media/k2/galleries/66/Azhar%207-Beautiful%20Lakes%20inside%20al%20Azhar%20Park%20copy.jpg

Furthermore, I found the tenants of art in Muslim culture to be refreshing and inspiring. The pursuit of beauty is evident in all Islamic inspired creations. On a more personal note, I find their simplicity of style very attractive. The carved arabesque, brilliant geometric patterns, and effortless calligraphy blend together to create art that is uncomplicated yet meaningful. To me, it is peaceful to experience this type of art.

Example of arabesque, a hallmark of Islamic art
Source: https://arabesqueflorire.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/arabesque-art.jpg 

This desire to create beauty and paradise dominates the gardens of the Islamic world. The quadripartite format emphasizes the four rivers of life, milk, honey, water, and wine, with rills filled with running water dividing the areas. This is all accomplished while holding an allegiance to the concept of beauty and its importance in the Islamic context.

As someone who has visited the Alhambra in Granada, I have a strong idea of the tranquil atmosphere that is projected from an Islamic garden. The running water, lush plantings, and Islamic artistic influence forms a divine location that is most certainly projects the concept of Paradise. The knowledge of this feeling further adds to my fondness of this style of gardening. Moreover, to me, these gardens appear exotic and different from the norm; these differing elements make Islamic gardens intriguing to an individual who has studied western art in depth.

Gardens of the Alhambra
Source: http://planetden.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Alhambra-fountains.jpg

Islamic gardens, and the qualities that define them, have most certainly resonated with me during my study of garden art in European culture and have peaked my interest in Eastern art.

Related Link: http://theislamicmonthly.com/underneath-which-rivers-flow-the-symbolism-of-the-islamic-garden/

Copenhagen's Fortification Parks

Today Central Copenhagen is home to several urban green spaces that date back around 150 years. For centuries, Copenhagen was a walled, or fortified, city to provide protection to residents from foreigners. However, as times progressed and an international military conflict became less of a threat the fortifications became more and more irrelevant. Finally, following a plague during the mid 19^th century a population boom occurred in the city resulting in the need to expand to accommodate more families. With this increase in population, it was decided to remove the walls of Copenhagen leaving ample open space behind, which was ideal for park lands.

A map showing the original fortification of Copenhagen. The wall on the bottom of the photo is now where parkland is located.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Copenhagen 

While originally the land once used for the fortifications was divided among three parks, today only two green spaces remain. The first being the botanical gardens and the second being Østre Anlæg park.   

The botanical gardens of Copenhagen have a long history and were not originally located in their current location. Nevertheless, the decommissioning of the fortifications of the city provided a perfect new space for the gardens. The green space is rather structured and somewhat formal in style. A series of glasshouses dominate the are and are impressive in scale and structure. Furthermore, this is a showpiece for Denmark, as it is the home of the nation’s largest collection of living plants. The grounds are well manicured with a comma-shaped lake to one side.

The Palm House dominates the botanical gardens.
Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/Palm_House,_Copenhagen_Botanical_Garden.jpg/250px-Palm_House,_Copenhagen_Botanical_Garden.jpg 

In general, Østre Anlæg park has a different feel than the botanical gardens. This green space is a tad more relaxed and elements of Copenhagen’s past shine through. The lakes were once part of the moat system that defended the city and elements of the once extensive fortification system are still visible. The area is people’s park with space for children, concerts, and sports, in contrast to the botanical gardens which are dedicated to the study of plants.

People sunbathing in Østre Anlæg Park. Source: http://i2-images1.tv2net.dk/s/21/20166321-b09a8711b8fc517b1c8b2401bc638335.jpeg

Although today the parks have different purposes and styles they still have a shared history and jointly function as an “outdoor living room” for Copenhagen. In the 21^st century, these green spaces are important social areas for the city’s residents. The open areas provide an escape from the old, cramped streets of the medieval city center of Copenhagen, which has little to no vegetation. Urban living in Denmark’s capital has been greatly enhanced by the conversion of the fortification ring to parkland. Today, other areas of the city are now converting abandoned property, such as rail beds, into green spaces to better their neighborhoods as the fortification parks have done for the city’s center.

Briefly discuss the reasoning behind constructing Versailles, its horticultural attributes, and lasting impacts.

The story of Versailles begins with Louis XIV’s rise to power in 1661. Prior to this year, Louis was the official monarch, however, Cardinal Mazarin was the ruling nobleman, making the majority of decisions as Louis was too young. Under Mazarin, Nicolas Fouquet served as finance minister and through dipping into state funds was able to build a chateau at Vaux-le-Vicomte. The estate, completed in 1661, was grand in scale with elaborate and expansive gardens. Louis XIV visited the gardens at a grand fête in August of 1661 and left jealous that Fouquet’s gardens and chateau were more impressive than his own. With this Louis decided that he would build a more remarkable chateau in Versailles, a former family retreat 15 kilometers from Paris.

Fouquet's Vaux-le-Vicomte
Source: https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/05/0f/ce/dc/chateau-de-vaux-le-vicomte.jpg 

Under Louis’ direction, Versailles was transformed from a simple hunting lodge in the middle of swamp lands to one of the most imposing palatial complexes in Europe. With over 700 rooms, Versailles was a monstrosity. The gardens proved equally impressive, covering over 247 acres, showcasing France’s power and glory.

The garden was divided into several distinctive areas, including the Petite Parc which was situated directly adjacent to the palace. The parc included an elaborate Orangerie to showcase the king’s extensive citrus collection, which was considered a luxury item at the time. The area was able to hold up to 3,000 trees and had both indoor and outdoor display areas to ensure the citrus did not perish in the cold. Additionally, the parc featured the Parterre d’Eau, a set of two reflecting pools to tie together the architecture of the palace with the gardens. Furthermore, as you move away from the palace the gardens became a tad less structured. The Tapis Vert, a grand lawn lined with statuary, connected the parc area with the more wooded regions of the gardens. The remaining acres were designed into themed forested areas known as Bosquet. Everything about Versailles was designed to be grand, holding to Baroque tradition, including the water features, such as the Bassin d’Apollon.

The Parterre d'Eau at Versailles
Source: http://www.jeanclaudelafarge.fr/chateau-versailles-statues-parterre-d'eau.jpg

This vivid example of power gardening and controlling nature by manipulating once swampy lands into structured gardens, was imitated throughout Europe. In Holland Versailles’ gardens were imitated at, Het Loo, and Austria the Belvedere features gardens inspired by those at Louis XIV’s palace. Moreover, in Russia, Versailles influenced gardens are featured at Peterhof. In conclusion, during the late 1600 and early 1700, Versailles served as the model for royal gardens throughout Europe.    

The Belvedere Gardens, inspired by Versailles
Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/be/Belvedere_Palace's_Gardens.JPG

Related article: http://www.radford.edu/~rbarris/art216upd2012/Versailles.html

The Italian Renaissance and Gardens

The Italian Renaissance, famously known as the period of revitalization following the indolent middle ages, came about through a series of shifts in thought refocusing popular perception to a more outwardly oriented mindset.

The foundation of Renaissance thought rests in the emergence of humanism and natural theology. The latter focused on reason and experience and tried to harmonize knowledge between the church and the laboratory. While the former stressed returning to the classics to develop and understanding that the human experience was superior to that of the divine.

Florence Cathederal - excelent example of Italian Renaissance Architecture (sourcehttps://www.thinglink.com/scene/568923873861435394)

These new ideas translated into a myriad of new developments across all facets of life. One of the most notable changes brought about by the Italian Renaissance was the return to roman architecture. In general, the period emphasized the importance of the classics, thus making the reemergence of Roman art and architecture a default choice, being that it is inspired by Grecian art. This change in design was a major transition from the inwardly focused medieval architecture. Italian Renaissance architecture was open and occupied with beauty.

Plan of Villa d'Este gardens - the hallmark Italian Renaissance Garden (source: http://cdn.in-italia.dk/pi/56/b/56133_b.jpg)

The new developments in architecture paved the way for the emergence of the Italian Renaissance garden. The renaissance garden would go on to embody the ideas of the third nature; the idea that the garden is a combination of art and divine creation. At this time, it was believed that although nature was divine, it could be improved upon.   

The symbolic eagle rests atop the fountain (source:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/Villa_d'Este_01.jpg)

As a result of these ideas, beautiful gardens began to accompany magnificent pieces of architecture along the Italian peninsula. These gardens were known for their axial alignment and dramatic terraces. Villa d’Este embodies many of the signature attributes of a Renaissance garden featuring both of these characteristics. Furthermore, gardens such as Villa d’Este, were enhanced with sensational water features and impressive plantings. Gardens were also dotted with symbols, for example at Villa d’Este there is a prominent display of an eagle, which symbolizes both nobility and the Este coat of arms. Such gardens also showcased areas for outdoor relaxation and entertaining, for example, it was common to have outdoor dining tables featuring canals to keep food and feet cool.

The hallmark traits of the Italian Renaissance allowed for such a style of gardens to blossom out of a new age of thought, art, and architecture. Today gardens, like the ones at Villa d’Este, remain some of the most visited and most impressive sites in Italy.   

Related Link: http://www.gardenvisit.com/history_theory/library_online_ebooks/ml_gothein_history_garden_art_design/early_baroque_gardens_italy