Neoclassicism, prominent in the late 18th to early 19th century, emerged as a reaction against the ornate and frivolous Rococo style. Inspired by the ideals of ancient Greek and Roman art, Neoclassical artists sought clarity, order, and moral virtue in their works. Jacques-Louis David, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, and Antonio Canova were central figures in defining Neoclassical aesthetics.
In painting, Neoclassicism emphasized clean lines, rational composition, and historical or mythological subjects. Sculpture in this period often featured idealized forms and heroic themes. The movement, echoing the intellectual ideals of the Enlightenment, aimed to revive the noble simplicity and timeless principles of classical art and architecture.
Neoclassicism’s influence extended beyond the arts, impacting literature, philosophy, and political thought. As a response to the perceived excesses of Rococo, Neoclassicism represented a return to order and a celebration of reason, leaving a lasting imprint on the cultural landscape of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun
Antonio Canova
John Flaxman
Henry Fuseli
Johan Zoffany
Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux