What is Neoclassicism?

Emerging in the mid-18th century, Neoclassicism revived the ideals of Ancient Greece and Rome. This renewed interest in classical antiquity was sparked by the discovery of ancient Roman archeological sites. Historian Johann Jachim Wincklemann was one of the voices who encouraged artists of the time to emulate the works of the classics: ‘the only way for us to become great, perhaps inimitable, is to imitate the Greeks.’

Reacting against the extravagance of Baroque and Rococo, Neoclassicism instead emphasised clean lines, precision and subdued colours. This style also reflected the Enlightenment principles of reason and civic virtue.

Neoclassicism spread into all aspects of culture, including literature, drawing, painting and sculpture. Artists such as Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres and Jacques-Louis David embodied the movement’s focus on intellect and aesthetic restraint, with works such as The Oath of the Horatii (1786). Reflecting on the Neoclassical style, David wrote, ‘The artist must be a philosopher and have no other guide except the torch of reason’.

Other prominent Neoclassical painters include Angelica Kauffman, Joshua Reynolds and Benjamin West. West painted historical scenes to emphasise Neoclassical ideas of virtue and bravery, as shown in his work Alexander III of Scotland Rescued from the Fury of a Stag by the Intrepidity of Colin Fitzgerald (1786). Sculptural works by Antonio Canova and John Flaxman also embodied the Neoclassical style, with Canova being renowned for his elegant nude mythological subjects carved in marble.

Though the rise of Romanticism in the late 18th and early 19th century led to Neoclassicism fading from favour, it had several revivals in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with artists Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau both taking influence from the style.

What are the characteristics of Neoclassicism?

Neoclassicism is defined by order, clarity and rigour. Inspired by classical antiquities, the subjects in Neoclassical paintings tend to be historical, mythological or moral. In a response to artistic styles that were seen as excessive and opulent, Neoclassical artworks opted for clean lines and uncluttered forms.

The artists of this era were often in pursuit of harmony, looking for ideal proportions and perfect symmetry. With an emphasis on Enlightenment virtues such as self-control, duty and sacrifice, Neoclassical art aimed to teach moral lessons.