Roman Tuscan Architecture Analysis

What is now the Artel art gallery was once the Escambia county courthouse. The building has references of Roman Tuscan columns and other related structures. The symbolic significance of the use of Roman architecture can be analyzed myriad ways and care should be taken to analyze the significance to both of the uses of the building; That being the use as as an art gallery and a governmental building. The building itself is four stories high and also contains a basement. There are stairs leading to the entrance. Upon reaching the top of the stairs one must pass the columns of which there are eight and are set up on pedestals. There are four pedestals in total each supporting two columns per. The columns are simple by design, which is characteristic of Roman Tuscan architecture. Little work has been done in terms of renovation since the changeover from being a governmental building. This becomes obvious upon further analyzing since the frieze of the entablature still contains the title “ESCAMBIA COUNTY COURTHOUSE.” Also the ceiling inside of the first floor has …show more content…
The gallery has since used small fees to enter exhibits and allowed the purchase of art at reasonable prices to sustain the basic cost involved in running the building. Since its opening, the gallery has turned into a major center for public enjoyment and the spread of artistic ideas. On the third Friday of every month the gallery also opens up for free to public because the local Pensacola event, Gallery night. This use of building coincides with the use of Roman architecture albeit in a different way than its previous use. The Romans are well known for their contribution in art in architecture, painting, sculpting, and mosaics. It is very fitting that a Romanesque building is used to showcase the same types of art that the Romans excelled at