Neoclassicism was an artistic movement that emerged in the 18th century in reaction to the over-elaborate and frivolous rococo style. It stressed classical order, the regularity and beauty of form and the importance of the ideal. Neoclassicism’s roots are in classic antiquity – it was inspired by the classic grandeur and beauty of ancient statues and busts. This article will explore how neoclassical art rejected rococo, focusing on its origins, influential figures, what it was a reaction to, and its lasting influence.
What Is Neoclassical Art?
Neoclassical art is a period of Western art that began in the mid-18th century, spurred by a renewed interest in Classical antiquity. It is characterized by seriousness and grandeur, with a strong focus on ideal forms, clear and crisp lines, and classic symbols and allegories. Neoclassical art is often used to express a moral or philosophical message, and is often seen as being closely tied to the political and social developments of the period.
Origins of Neoclassicism
Neoclassicism first emerged as a reaction against the opulence and superficiality of the rococo style. It was seen as a calculated rejection of all artistic stylistic features associated with the rococo, such as asymmetry, elaborate ornamentation, and light colors. The first figure of what is known as the “Neoclassical Movement” was Johann Joachim Winckelmann, a German art historian who argued that the more harmonious designs of ancient Greece and Rome should be the model for art.
Influential Figures in Neoclassicism
The most influential figures in neoclassical art were the painters Jacques-Louis David, John Flaxman, and Francisco Goya. David was a French painter and one of the greatest neoclassical painters of the era. His greatest works were both political and religious, and there was a clear Neoclassical element in both. John Flaxman was a renowned British sculptor who was inspired by the ancient myths of Greece and Rome, which he depicted in the austere yet detailed lines and hard outlines of neoclassic sculpture. Francisco Goya was a Spanish painter who studied both classical and romantic styles and mixed them in his own unique manner. His late works, especially those pictures dealing with war, are particularly powerful and are now considered among the greatest works of art in the world.
Neoclass minimalism versus Rococo exaggeration
The neoclassical art style was a conscious rejection of the elaborate forms and delicate colors of the rococo. Whether in architecture, painting, or sculpture, neoclassical artists embraced a “less is more” approach, favoring minimalistic and symmetric designs. Rococo was known for its playful and flamboyant ornate designs, often full of intricate detail, asymmetrical shapes, and bright colors. Neoclassicists, however, sought to restore the simplicity of classical Greek and Roman art, emphasizing the beauty of harmony, balance, and proportion.
Neoclassicism and Revolution
The call for a return to Classical forms was also motivated by the volatile political climate of the period. The ideals of the French Revolution, and its emphasis on reason over emotion and tradition over change, had a strong influence on the neoclassical style. Jacques-Louis David was a devoted supporter of the Revolution and the leading proponent of the new style. Many critics believe that much of the symetrical, minimalist quality of this period can be seen as a symbolic endorsement of the revolutionary government’s strong emphasis on rational principles.
The Legacy of Neoclassicism
Neoclassicism was a major artistic movement in the 18th century, and its influence is still evident in many of today’s art styles. Its ideals of simplicity, balance, and proportion remain highly regarded and widely applied in architecture, fashion, and design, particularly among those inspired by the classicism of older eras. Neoclassicism’s aesthetic of minimal forms and restrained use of color has had a significant influence on modern art, from surrealism to abstract expressionism, and from cubism to modernist design.
Neoclassicism was an artistic movement that emerged in the 18th century as a reaction to the over-elaborate rococo style. It emphasized minimalism, simplicity, and idealism and its aim was to restore simplicity and harmony to art. Popularized by figures such as Jacques-Louis David and John Flaxman, neoclassicism has had a profound influence on contemporary art. From its adoption of the ideals of the French Revolution to its aesthetic of minimalism, neoclassical art has had a lasting influence on today’s art and design.
