Profiles in Architecture | Guest Post by Nate

The photos in this week’s post come from the historic Lyndhurst estate in the beautiful Hudson River Valley. The house is one of the best examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the United States, and was built in several phases from the 1840s to the 1860s. It was designed by Andrew Jackson Davis, one of the leading American architects of the 19th century. In addition to designing a number of prominent building in Washington and New York, and consulting on a number of state capitol building designs, Davis is regarded as a leading figure in the development of the Italianate and Gothic Revival styles, both of which would remain hugely popular up into the beginning of the 20th century.

Profiles and silhouettes aren’t just for Vana’s fantastic creations, they’re important in architecture too! Notice the numerous chimneys, towers, gables, and other elements are each carefully shaped and cut to provide interest where the building meets the sky. The same shapes and patterns are repeated in smaller and more humble buildings around the estate, including the windows shown here.

I hope you enjoy this introduction to Lyndhurst – one of many architectural treasures on the banks of the Hudson.