Nicholas Revett was an English architect, artist, and antiquarian, known primarily for his significant contributions to the study of ancient Greek architecture. He was born on December 22, 1720, in Framlingham, Suffolk, England, and passed away on May 18, 1804, in London.
Revett's fascination with classical architecture emerged during his travels in Italy in the mid-18th century. His interest in ancient Greek architecture was sparked during his expedition to Athens in 1751, where he, along with James Stuart, began documenting and sketching ancient monuments.
The collaboration between Revett and Stuart resulted in the renowned work titled "The Antiquities of Athens," a pivotal publication that greatly contributed to the understanding and revival of Greek architecture. The meticulous drawings and detailed descriptions of Athenian buildings and sculptures in this work provided invaluable insights into the classical world for architects, artists, and scholars.
Revett's dedication to accuracy and authenticity in depicting Greek architecture was remarkable. His precise measurements, drawings, and observations of ancient structures significantly influenced the neoclassical movement in Europe. His work also laid the groundwork for the Greek Revival architecture that gained prominence in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Apart from his architectural endeavors, Revett was involved in various artistic pursuits, including painting and engraving. His skills as an artist complemented his architectural work, enabling him to create detailed and accurate representations of ancient Greek structures.
These sources provide comprehensive insights into Nicholas Revett's life, contributions to architecture, and his impact on the study of classical Greek architecture.
Bibliography
Colvin, Howard, A Biographical Dictionary of British Architects 1600-1840, 3rd edition (New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1995), pp. 806-808.
National Archives, National Register of Archives, Person Details, ' Revett, Nicholas (1720-1804) Architect Draughtsman Antiquary, GB/NNAF/P128004' [accessed 29 April 2007]
Purchas, Anne, ‘Revett, Nicholas (1721-1804)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (Oxford: Oxford University Press, Sept 2004; online edn, May 2006) [accessed 29 April 2008]
Richardson, Albert Edward, Sir, 'Nicholas Revett'. Architectural Review, 43 (1918), pp. 104-6
- Howard Colvin, "A Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600–1840."
- Richard R. Brettell, "The Making of the Greek Revival: The Seminal Architectural Books of James Stuart and Nicholas Revett."
- Dana Arnold, "Nicholas Revett and the Greek Revival: An Architectural Biography."
- "The Antiquities of Athens" by James Stuart and Nicholas Revett.