Neoclassicism
Neoclassicism, sometimes spelled Neo-classicism, was a Western cultural movement that emerged in the decorative and visual arts, literature, theatre, music, and architecture. It drew inspiration from the art and culture of classical antiquity, specifically the ideals of Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece.
Historical Background
The emergence of Neoclassicism can be attributed largely to the writings of Johann Joachim Winckelmann, a German art historian and archaeologist. His works became influential during the rediscovery of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which brought ancient Roman culture back into the spotlight. As a result, these classical themes became prominent as a generation of European art students completed their Grand Tour and returned home with a renewed appreciation for Greco-Roman ideals.
Neoclassicism gained immense popularity in the 18th century, coinciding with the Age of Enlightenment, and extended into the early 19th century, eventually rivaling the Romanticism movement.
Characteristics
Visual Arts
In the visual arts, Neoclassicism is characterized by its emphasis on simplicity, harmony, and symmetry, which were viewed as virtues of classical art. This movement was a reaction against the ornate Rococo style, which emphasized grace, ornamentation, and asymmetry. Neoclassical art often depicted themes from mythology and history.
Literature and Theatre
In literature and theatre, Neoclassicism was marked by a focus on adherence to classical guidelines and structures. It often included a return to the Aristotelian unities, which dictated that a play should have a single action occurring in one place within one day.
Music
In music, Neoclassicism began in the early 20th century, with composers like Igor Stravinsky and Sergei Prokofiev revisiting the styles and forms of earlier periods. Their works were seen as a departure from the emotional expressiveness of Romantic music.
Architecture
Neoclassical architecture focused on simplicity and symmetry, drawing directly from 16th-century Renaissance Classicism. The movement is characterized by the use of classical orders, and elements such as columns and domes, which were inspired by the architecture of ancient temples.
Influence and Legacy
The influence of Neoclassicism extended beyond the arts. It inspired various fields, including neoclassical economics, which focuses on the supply and demand equilibrium as the driving force for production and consumption. Moreover, it played a role in political theories, such as neoclassical realism in international relations.
In contemporary culture, Neoclassicism’s principles can be observed in neoclassical ballet and neoclassical metal, which incorporate classical elements into modern forms of expression.