An Introduction to the American Greek Revival - Review Questions

As you watch the video, you can browse by subject using the course outline and timestamps below. As you progress through the units, you can use the below optional (ungraded) questions to help assess your understanding of the material. Please note that these are not the summative assessment questions to be answered at the end of the course. You will also need to complete the summative assessment in order to earn course credit.

0:00: Introduction to Course Goals; History and Transmission of Grecian Architecture

Review: What mode of knowledge transmission can best be said to be the reason the Grecian language spread to the extent it did in the United States?

1. The Antiquities of Athens by Stuart and Revett.

Incorrect. While this is the source of most of the Grecian details, it was a very rare source and not available to most individuals.

2. Architectural Pattern Books.

Correct! Pattern books such as those by Lafever and Benjamin helped put Grecian details into the hands of the common builder.

3. University Systems.

Incorrect. Architectural studies in colleges and universities was not common, and degrees in architecture were not even available until the 1860’s.


12:20: Historical Use of Precedent

Review: What is an example of an ancient Greek element that began to be used during the Grecian movement?

1. Temple Front .

Incorrect. While the temple front was utilized heavily throughout the Grecian movement, it was used prior as well, getting precedent from many other sources.

2. Anta Capitals.

Correct! Anta capitals are an element with specifically Greek origins that became known through Stuart and Revett and used heavily after the Grecian movement started.

3. Tuscan Columns.

Incorrect. While you find examples of Tuscan columns mixed in with Greek details, Tuscan elements came from many other, non-Greek sources.


16:35: Precedent for Modern Work

Review: Which building could be used today as precedent for how to design an in-antis façade?

1. Latrobe’s Bank of Pennsylvania.

Incorrect. The Bank of Pennsylvania’s facade contained six Ionic columns with no anta or piers at the extremities.

2. Dakin’s Bank of Louisville.

Correct! The Bank of Louisville contains a pair of Ionic columns placed in-antis between the two, battered piers.

3. Davis’s New York City Customs House.

Incorrect. The Customs House contains eight Doric columns with no anta or piers at the extremities.


37:13: Effect on the Vernacular; Resources

Review: The Cabinet-Gallery is a great example of a vernacular element that was adapted with the Grecian Language. This element describes:

1. A rear gallery flanked by two small rooms.

Correct! The cabinet gallery, being a central, rear gallery common in Louisiana, is just one example of a vernacular element that was adapted with Grecian details.

2. A front gallery spanning the width of the building.

Incorrect. While front galleries were done in the Grecian language, it is not an element referred to by this term.

3. A gallery surrounding the entire structure.

Incorrect. This is more accurately described as a peripteral gallery.