Neoclassic-Art

Neoclassic & Romantic Art

Neoclassical Art

  • Period looking back to ideals and art forms of classical times.

  • Historical eras influencing Neoclassical Art:

    • Pre-Egyptian

    • Greek

    • Roman

    • Byzantine

    • Romanesque

    • Gothic

  • Timeframe of Classical Art: 2,000 BC - 400 AD, Medieval Art: 400 AD - 1,400 AD.

Characteristics of Neoclassical Art

  • Based on ancient Greece and Rome.

  • Developed in the 18th century as artists sought to imitate Greek and Roman antiquity.

  • Reaction to the excessive styles of Baroque and Rococo.

Neoclassicism

  • A revival of a classical style or treatment in art, literature, architecture, or music.

  • Focus on evoking styles from classical antiquity found in Greek and Roman culture.

Elements of Neoclassical Art

  • Relies heavily on classical Greco-Roman art.

  • Emphasizes balance in compositions and proportions.

Common Characteristics of Neoclassical Art

  • Symmetry in design.

  • Unemotional narrative style.

  • Simplicity in line, form, and color.

  • Balance using straight lines and geometric shapes.

  • Incorporation of science, mathematics, and natural law.

  • Non-fantastical depiction of the surrounding world and events.

Neoclassical Art Themes

  • Frequently depicts scenes from Roman history, highlighting Roman heroes.

Characteristics of Neoclassical Paintings

  • Use of straight lines.

  • Smooth paint surface.

  • Effective depiction of light.

  • Limited use of color.

  • Clear, crisp definition of forms.

Notable Neoclassical Artists

Jacques-Louis David

  • Influential French painter in the Neoclassical style.

  • Known for historical subjects in his paintings.

Famous Artworks by Jacques-Louis David

  • The Death of Marat

    • Portrayal of French revolutionary leader Jean-Paul Marat as a martyr.

  • Napoleon Crossing the Alps

    • Idealized representation of Napoleon's crossing of the Alps in May 1800.

  • Oath of the Horatii

    • Depicts a Roman legend concerning three brothers prepared to sacrifice themselves for Rome.

Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres

  • Influenced by Renaissance painters like Raphael and his mentor, Jacques-Louis David.

  • Known for nudes, portraits, and mythological themes.

  • Regarded as a fine exemplar of academic art.

Famous Artworks by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres

  • Portrait of Napoléon on the Imperial Throne

    • Napoleon depicted in coronation costume on an embellished throne.

  • The Apotheosis of Homer

    • Homer's image receiving notable figures from Rome, Greece, and contemporary times.

Neoclassical Sculpture

  • Defined by symmetry and serious subject matter.

  • Subjects range from mythological figures to historical heroes.

Notable Neoclassical Sculptors

Antonio Canova

  • Prolific Italian artist known for marble sculptures focusing on nude forms.

  • Explored themes of discrete pleasures in his works.

Famous Artworks by Antonio Canova

  • Washington: Psyche Awakened by Cupid's Kiss

    • A marble sculpture representing the relationship between Psyche and Cupid.

Bertel Thorvaldsen

  • First Danish artist to gain international acclaim.

  • Created sculptures featuring mythological and religious themes.

Famous Artworks by Bertel Thorvaldsen

  • Lion of Lucerne

    • Commemorates Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution.

  • Christus

    • Marble representation of a resurrected Christ at the Thorvaldsen Museum.

Neoclassical Architecture

  • Characterized by grand scales, simple geometric forms, dramatic columns, and classic detailing.

  • Roof styles can be domed or flat.

Types of Neoclassical Architecture

Classical Block Style

  • Rectangular or square shape, flat roofs, repeating columns or arches.

Notable Classical Block Example

  • Boston Public Library by Charles Follen McKim (1895).

Palladian Style

  • Architecture based on Andrea Palladio’s principles, emphasizing symmetry and values of classical architecture.

Notable Palladian Architect

  • Robert Adam

    • Known as a Palladian architect, designed the White House and the United States Capitol.

Famous Temple Style Buildings

  • La Madeleine de Paris by Pierre-Alexandre Vignon.

  • British Museum in London by Robert Smirke.

  • Pantheon in Paris by Jacques-Germain Soufflot.

References

  • Various educational materials, articles, and online resources detailing Neoclassicism.