Ornamentation in architecture has undergone significant changes over time. In ancient times, the primary forms of ornamentation were symbols and carvings that were intended to convey religious or political messages. The use of precious materials like gold and ivory was also a mark of wealth and status.
During the Renaissance, ornamental design became more elaborate and intricate. The use of sculpture and bas-relief became more common, as did the use of architectural elements like columns and pediments. The Baroque period saw even more dramatic changes in ornamentation, with large-scale sculptures and elaborate facades that were intended to impress and awe viewers.
In the modern era, ornamentation has largely given way to a more minimalist aesthetic. Modernist architects like Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe emphasized simplicity and functionalism, rejecting the elaborate ornamentation of previous eras. However, more recent movements like Postmodernism have embraced ornamentation once again, often in a playful and self-referential way.
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