Neoclassical: meaning, definitions and examples
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neoclassical
[ niː.əʊˈklæs.ɪ.kəl ]
art movement
Neoclassical refers to an artistic movement that emerged in the mid-18th century, drawing inspiration from the classical art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. It emphasizes simplicity, symmetry, and an adherence to classical ideals of beauty. Neoclassicism highlighted moral themes and often sought to convey rationality and universality through its art. This movement became prominent in painting, sculpture, architecture, and literature.
Synonyms
classical revival, classicist, traditionalist.
Examples of usage
- The neoclassical architecture of the building features grand columns and a balanced facade.
- Many neoclassical painters focused on themes from mythology and classical history.
- Jane Austen's novels often embody neoclassical ideals of order and moral virtue.
Translations
Translations of the word "neoclassical" in other languages:
🇵🇹 neoclássico
🇮🇳 निओक्लासिकल
🇩🇪 neoklassisch
🇮🇩 neoklasik
🇺🇦 неокласичний
🇵🇱 neoklasyczny
🇯🇵 新古典主義の
🇫🇷 néoclassique
🇪🇸 neoclásico
🇹🇷 neoklasik
🇰🇷 신고전주의의
🇸🇦 نيوكلاسيكي
🇨🇿 neoklasicistní
🇸🇰 neoklasický
🇨🇳 新古典主义的
🇸🇮 neoklasičen
🇮🇸 nýklassískur
🇰🇿 неоклассикалық
🇬🇪 ნეოკლასიკური
🇦🇿 neoklassik
🇲🇽 neoclásico
Etymology
The term 'neoclassical' originated in the late 18th century, with the prefix 'neo-', meaning 'new' or 'revived,' combined with 'classical,' which relates to the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. The neoclassical movement began as a reaction against the extravagance of the preceding Baroque and Rococo styles, emphasizing a return to the purity and simplicity of the classical art forms. Influential figures such as the French painter Jacques-Louis David played a significant role in defining neoclassicism through his works that depicted heroic subjects and historical themes in a style that reflected classical aesthetics. The movement spread through Europe and influenced various art forms, including literature, where writers sought to embody the rational and moral principles of classical thought.