Renaissance revival

8.6

A 19th-century building style using Italian Renaissance forms like columns and arches

noun
/ˌrɛnəˈsɑns rɪˈvaɪvəl/

Specialized

: renacimiento neoclásico

For example, the Security Center abuts the Security Building, which is in the Renaissance revival style (Fig. 4).

Examples

The city is known for its stunning Renaissance revival buildings that reflect classic Italian styles.
Fundamentally, it mixes the optimism of the Renaissance revival with that of the Futurists, but is pessimistic about finding any salvation point, be it technology, a classless society, a meritocracy, or rational organization of a world economy.

Academic text (1995)
Many of the downtown structures were designed in the Renaissance revival style, showcasing elaborate arches and ornate facades.
Tourists flock to see the museum, which is a prime example of the Renaissance revival architecture popular in the 19th century.

Synonyms

neo-Renaissance

vsRenaissance revival

Specialized

9.3

A 19th-century building and design style based on Italian Renaissance features

is the same style but called with a two-word label rather than prefix form

Surface Forms

Renaissance revival singular

Renaissance revivals plural

Morphology

Renaissance + revival

The phrase simply means a revival or renewed interest in Renaissance styles, which is directly derivable from combining 'Renaissance' (the historical/artistic period) with 'revival' (a return of interest). This compositional pattern (revival of X) is common and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE’s meaning, even if the architectural nuance is somewhat specialized.

Etymology

Renaissance revival began when 19th-century builders copied the look of old Italian Renaissance buildings with round arches, tall columns and a balanced look. So, the word revival means 'bringing back', and Renaissance revival names a style that 'brings back' Renaissance building shapes.