Classicism

Classicism is an art movement characterized by its adherence to the principles and aesthetics of ancient Greek and Roman art, emphasizing harmony, proportion, and balance. Emerging prominently during the Renaissance and later in the 17th and 18th centuries, Classicism sought to revive the ideals of antiquity, focusing on clarity, order, and restrained emotion. Key themes include the depiction of mythological and historical subjects, the pursuit of idealized beauty, and the use of symmetry and perspective. Classicism profoundly influenced Western art, serving as a counterpoint to the emotional intensity of the Baroque and the dramatic flair of the Rococo. Its principles were foundational to the development of Neoclassicism in the late 18th century, which further solidified its impact on architecture, sculpture, and painting, promoting a return to classical simplicity and grandeur.