Neoclassicism

Neoclassicism, emerging in the mid-18th century, was a prominent art movement characterized by a revival of classical antiquity's aesthetic principles and themes. It arose as a reaction against the ornate Rococo style, emphasizing clarity, order, and symmetry inspired by the art and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. Key characteristics include a focus on idealized forms, restrained color palettes, and compositions that convey moral narratives or civic virtues. Neoclassical artists, such as Jacques-Louis David and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, often depicted historical or mythological subjects, reflecting Enlightenment ideals of reason and heroism. This movement significantly influenced the development of Western art, laying the groundwork for subsequent styles such as Romanticism and academic art, and it played a crucial role in shaping the visual language of political and cultural institutions during the period.