Do you remember your classes history of art? The neoclassicism Neoclassicism was an artistic style that emerged in the 18th century in Europe. This style was based primarily on decorative arts within an aesthetic movement that was not limited to the old continent, but also traveled to the United States. Influenced by the ideals of the Enlightenment, Neoclassicism was especially inspired by Greco-Roman forms, hence its name: a reinterpretation of classical art.
The neoclassical style is a reaction towards other more ornate forms such as the RococoIn contrast to Rococo and Baroque, Neoclassicism proposed a return to simplicity and rationality, inspired by these classical ideals. It is here that we observe its influence on various disciplines: from literature to architecture and sculpture.
Origins of Neoclassicism: A return to the classics
El neoclassicism Neoclassical art was born as a reaction against the decorative and emotional excess of Baroque and Rococo, the predominant styles in Europe in the previous century. These artistic movements were seen as too frivolous and ornate, so the artists of Neoclassicism aspired to a style based on sobriety, balance and reason, characteristics associated with classical antiquity.
This revival of classical art was closely linked to the archaeological discoveries of the ruins of Herculaneum in 1738 and Pompeii in 1748. These discoveries revived interest in the culture and art of Ancient Greece and Rome, influencing various artistic forms. Furthermore, the philosophical movement of the Enlightenment played an essential role in consolidating this interest in rationality and progress.
With the rise of the French Revolution and the independence of the United States, neoclassical art became associated with values such as freedom, democracy and patriotism, discarding emotionality in favor of a more rational and moralistic approach.
The trips of intellectuals through Europe, known as the Grand Tour, also contributed to the dissemination of this style. These expeditions allowed artists to learn first-hand about classical works and their aesthetic values.
Characteristics of the neoclassical style in art
Simplicity, symmetry and geometry: Neoclassicism was based on clear and precise lines, favouring balanced and orderly compositions. Symmetry and geometry order the elements of the compositions, reflecting the rationalist spirit of the movement.
Greco-Roman theme: Neoclassical artists were inspired by Greco-Roman mythology and history, considering that these themes represented the universal values of beauty, sacrifice and virtue. Heroism and the ideal of virtue were recurrent.
Moderate use of colorUnlike Baroque, which was rich in dramatic colours, Neoclassicism preferred sober, almost monochromatic tones that did not distract from the form or narrative of the work. There was a clear use of light to highlight the volumes.
Back to classic proportionsIn painting, sculpture and architecture, the human figure and buildings are framed within classical proportions. This, in turn, is related to the ideal of beauty formulated by the ancient Greeks.
Main exponents of Neoclassicism
neoclassical architecture
In architecture, Neoclassicism was characterized by the use of elements from classical art, such as columns, pediments and triumphal arches, although always with a sober and less ornate approach than Baroque.
A notable example is Juan de Villanueva, Spanish architect who designed the facade of the Pamplona Cathedral and Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar of ZaragozaHis style is based strictly on straight lines and clear proportions, which perfectly reflects the premises of Neoclassicism.
Most public buildings in this style were intended to symbolize the importance of the State and republican values. This can be seen in works such as the United States Capitol or Triumphal Arch in Paris.
Neoclassical sculpture
Neoclassical sculpture was characterized by the use of white marble, without polychromy, in homage to the ancient Greeks and Romans. The style faithfully imitated the Greco-Roman canon of human proportions, seeking an ideal of beauty through simplicity.
One of the greatest exponents was the Italian sculptor Antonio Canova. Canova sculpted numerous works, many of them with mythological themes, among which stand out Paulina Borghese, Cupid and Psyche y Venus Victrix.
Neoclassical painting
Neoclassical painting favoured clarity in composition, sobriety in emotions and realism in representations. One of the main representatives of this style was the French Jacques-Louis David, whose work The Oath of the Horatii It is paradigmatic of Neoclassicism. The work features highly realistic human figures, represented with classical proportions and distributed symmetrically in an architectural composition.
Another important painter was Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, who continued with the classicist ideals in his work The great odalisque, where the female figure is represented with great anatomical precision, although with certain artistic licenses.
Czech Anthony Raphael MengsHe was also a relevant figure in neoclassical painting, standing out for his technical skill and his works full of light and realism.
Neoclassicism in America
Neoclassicism was not an exclusively European phenomenon. In America, primarily the United States, this style was adopted in government architecture and public monuments as a symbol of republican ideals. Much of the city planning of Washington DC was influenced by Neoclassicism, with structures such as the Capitol and Casa Blanca reflecting this style.
In Latin America, Neoclassicism also had a considerable impact, particularly in countries undergoing independence processes. Here, Neoclassical art was used to pay homage to the heroes of independence and to construct new national icons.
For example, the figures of Simon Bolivar y Jose de San Martin They have been represented in multiple neoclassical works throughout the continent.
As the 19th century progressed, Neoclassicism began to lose strength with the arrival of the Romanticism, a movement that sought to exalt emotions, individual freedom and the sublime in contrast to the rationalist order of Neoclassicism.
Neoclassicism, however, left a lasting legacy, with its ideals of simplicity, clarity and morality continuing to be admired. Even today, many buildings and works of art keep these influences alive, perpetuating the movement's impact on global culture.