Comparison Of Antonio Gaudi And Charles Rennie Mackintosh

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The art nouveau style evolved throughout Europe and many artists adopted and conformed to the organic style presented. Two stand out artists for me, that I have always had an interest in, are Antonio Gaudi and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Both are regarded as art nouveau artists however they both have very different styles in my eye. In comparison, their lives have many similarities, with early life influencing the artists they became, and the legacy they both leave behind. In this essay I am going to compare their lives, styles, influences and legacies. Charles Rennie Mackintosh, born in Glasgow in 1868, was and still is a hugely significant icon within architectural history. His life wasn’t always easy as from a young age as he suffered from a variety of disabilities. During school he had difficulty reading and writing, considered slow by teachers, but in todays modern world he would be classed as dyslexic. He suffered from a foot disability, causing him to have a limp. He also developed a problem wit his right eye, causing it to droop. Coming from a large family of 11 and these disabilities combined, Mackintosh had difficulty fitting in at school. He was encouraged by others to spend time in the peaceful countryside, which then went on to develop his love of nature and flora. Antonio Gaudi i Cornet, born in Reus, Catalonia, Spain in 1852, was an architect with an eclectic, original and individual style, leaving his print on the city of Barcelona forever. Similarly to Mackintosh, he had a difficult youth from experiencing poor health. He suffered from rheumatism, a disorder that affects the joints and connective tissues in the body. It’s believed that this may of lead to him becoming a reserved character, very much like Mackintos... ... middle of paper ... ...ng his organic work in a calm and peaceful setting with a majestic view of Barcelona. His magnum opus, the Sagrada Familia still remains unfinished, with an expected completetion date in 2026. However its cultural importance doesn’t stop people waiting in long lines to view the structure. Many regard it, as a living prayer to Jesus, God and the Christian faith, therefore not only is it enjoyed for its architectural supremacy but also its devotion to religion. The salamander that resides in the entrance to Park Guell I believe is Gaudi’s most famous motif. Both architects were important figures in the artistic modern movement, shaping architecture then and continues to today. Their early lives had great impact on which became their distinctive and individual styles. Gaudi and Mackintosh’s styles are polar opposites but they both remain strong icons of their era.

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