# Exterior view

[View the canonical artwork record](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/villanueva-juan-de-re3646faf4bb812/exterior-view-rb23cd9fb92caf8>)

## Artwork

- Artist: [VILLANUEVA, Juan de](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/villanueva-juan-de-re3646faf4bb812>)
- Date: 1751-1800
- Technique: Photo

## Commentary

The Observatorio Astronómico was Villanueva&#39;s last great creation. This building on a cruciform ground plan is, in spite of many changes, an important example of how Neo-classical design penetrated Spanish architecture. Functionality and geometric rigor were the criteria for the design: in contrast with the Corinthian portico with a central reception room dictated by the rotunda, variety was introduced into the scheme and a setting was made for decorative features. Nevertheless, the building is practical to the highest degree.

## Related artworks

- [Exterior view](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/villanueva-juan-de-re3646faf4bb812/exterior-view-r510c7631661210>)
- [Exterior view](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/villanueva-juan-de-re3646faf4bb812/exterior-view-r7fbef185fb3df5>)
- [Exterior view](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/villanueva-juan-de-re3646faf4bb812/exterior-view-r9ac8e48947786b>)
- [Exterior view](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/villanueva-juan-de-re3646faf4bb812/exterior-view-r9c498c52826bca>)
- [Exterior view](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/villanueva-juan-de-re3646faf4bb812/exterior-view-rb96277b03d3c76>)
- [Interior view](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/villanueva-juan-de-re3646faf4bb812/interior-view-rcddd435c3c88df>)
- [Interior view](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/villanueva-juan-de-re3646faf4bb812/interior-view-rd4a941dfad51c8>)
- [Round temple](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/villanueva-juan-de-re3646faf4bb812/round-temple-ra72f8b079a532e>)

## Attribution

[Web Gallery of Art](<https://beta.wga.hu/pages/about>)