Classical and Neoclassical The classical art period is thought of as a time which expressed itself in architecture, art, music and literature. (Miriam-Webster, 2015) The ancient Greek and Roman cultures embraced order and predictability. During the 15th and 16th centuries classicism spread throughout Europe in many forms, depicting rigorous discipline and training. This art period even promoted the formation of schools of art and music. The Neoclassic art movement began in Europe during the late 1700’s and continued until the early 1800’s. This movement’s goal was to revive ancient Greek and Roman or Classic style in European art. The Neoclassical style highlighted tradition, valor, sacrifice and nationalism which mirrors the style of the classic period The Neoclassic art movement spread through most of Europe, but the French and English artists embraced neoclassical art even more.

There were several reasons for the inception of neoclassicism. One of the well-known reasons was the discovery at the ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii. Ancient artifacts of Classical works were located at these locations. It was noted on Arteducation .com (2015) that German art historian Johann J. Winckelmann commented about classic art. He stated that “noble simplicity and calm grandeur” were the most important aspects. And since the current art movement was the extremely ostentatious baroque and rococo art styles, many artists chose to return to the classic style.

In France, the neoclassic art movement began as a rebellion against rococo style. This style was an outlandish art form that symbolized French aristocracy and the elaborate nature which the aristocrats lived. France became a democratic nation after the French Revolution which put an end to the aristocratic rule The French leaders wanted a government based on high virtues and moral principles of classic Rome. They then commissioned neoclassical artists to create works of art that resembled inspirational times from Roman history and the classical art from that time. There are many famous works of art that are classified classicism. Many of the sculptures that were created by Michelangelo depicted strength and order as well as the historical depictions of the Greek Gods located on the Parthenon. One of the most famous neoclassical works was by a painter names Jacques-Louis David. He painted the Oath of Horatii which depicts legendary triplets from Rome who fought triples from Alba Longa in order to end the war between the two cities. (Britannica, 2105) The art depicts the strengths shown in early classical art of order, predictability and strength. This neoclassic style emulates the styles seen by classical artists like; Jean Clouet and Enguerrand Quarton. Quarton is known for religious paintings depicting historical moments in time. His most famous would be the Coronation of the Virgin painted in 1454. Like many of the classic artists of his time, Quarton painted images of strong individuals who overcome many hardships. (Quazoo, 2015) In the 1790’s, Napoleon rose to power in France. He greatly changed the direction of the neoclassic movement. His instruction was to shift the subject matter from ancient Roman history to modern day subjects. He commissioned several artists to paint him as a national hero.
The neoclassic artists continued painting in bright colors, making actions look even more complicated than they were. Neoclassical architecture has continued throughout times. In the United States, it has been used in large public projects like the Lincoln Memorial, the National Gallery and the American Museum of Natural History’s Roosevelt Memorial as late as 1936. Its architectural design attributes are still taught in class curriculum in many major architectural programs such as the University of Notre Dame (2015). In the year 1820, a French artist abandoned the neoclassic style with the bright colors, patriotic messages and solid figures to a form of painting with more graceful lines. This type of painting lead to the romanticism movement.

References Classicism. (2015). Miriam-Webster. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classicism Classicism and Neoclassicism. (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/120317/Classicism-and-Neoclassicism Enguerrand Quarton. (2015). Art, Museum, Painting, History of Art. Retrieved from http://www.quazoo.com/q/Enguerrand_Quarton Neoclassicism, Art Movement. (2015). Art Education. Retrieved from http://www.arteducation.com.au/art-movements/neoclassicism.php School of Architecture. (2015) University of Notre Dame. Retrieved from http://architecture.nd.edu