Greek Revival Architecture and the Parthenon

Although the Greek Revival period is generally dated from the late eighteenth to early nineteenth centuries, the popularity of this mode of architecture lasted into the twentieth century. Taking inspiration from the sacred and civic buildings of fourth and fifth century B.C. Athens, it conferred a certain gravitas and decorum to the spaces it was used in, as well as a sense of vastness, elegance, and proportion.

The Parthenon is considered both the best example of Greek architecture and a major inspiration for the Greek Revival style of architecture. Primarily ulitized in public buildings-for example, the Second Bank of the United States in Philadelphia (1816) - it, like the Parthenon, was also considered to be appropriate for religious spaces as well. The best example of this is the beautiful Baltimore Basilica(1821).

Second Bank of the United States.

Baltimore Basilica.

Greek Revival architecture in Buffalo is not extensive, but there are some non-residential buildings that can be categorized in this style. A wonderful example of the use Greek Revival architecture in the public sphere is Dr. E. J. Meyer Building, located at 135 Linwood Avenue in Buffalo.

The E.J. Meyer Building shares several elements in common with the Parthenon. Both have porticos supported by columns. The fluted columns of the E.J. Meyer building are of the Ionic order.

Compare this to the Parthenon.

Also common to this style of architecture is the use of a pediment above the portico.

Compare the tympanums (space inside the pediment) of the E.J. Meyer building with the Pantheon.

A window for light.

A decorative frieze.

Note the entablature above the columns on the upper right-hand side.






There appears to be a cornice and architrave, but no frieze.







Compare this to the Parthenon.



All of the entablature elements appear to be present.

A decorative element distinctive to Greek Revival architecture are large doors and windows that are exquisitely detailed.

Note the elaborated doorway.

This incorporates elements of the entrance (entablature, columns, pediment, portico) with glass detailing around the door itself- transom lights and sidelights.

Also of interest are the windows.


Very nicely detailed. The window is topped by a pediment and a cornice. This is supported by a console carved in scroll modillions.

The Ancient Greeks bequeathed us many gifts: language, literature, philosophy, art, and forms of government. Some are more visible in daily life then others. The Greek influence in architectual styles is so commonplace as to render it unnoticable at times. Yet the attention to symmetry, soaring spaces, elaborated facades, and delicate detailing is what makes Greek architecture and its many stylistic descendants so timelessly appealing.