Neoclassicism: meaning, definitions and examples

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neoclassicism

 

[ ˌniːoʊˈklæsɪsɪzəm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

art movement

Neoclassicism is a movement in European art and architecture that emerged in the late 18th century as a reaction to the excesses of the baroque and rococo styles. It is characterized by a revival of classical forms and ideals, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman art and philosophy.

Synonyms

classicism, neo-classicism, neoclassical style

Examples of usage

  • Many neoclassical artworks feature scenes from mythology or history depicted with a sense of order, clarity, and restraint.
  • The neoclassical style can be seen in the architecture of landmarks such as the United States Capitol building and the British Museum.

Translations

Translations of the word "neoclassicism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 neoclassicismo

🇮🇳 नवशास्त्रवाद

🇩🇪 Neoklassizismus

🇮🇩 neoklasikisme

🇺🇦 неокласицизм

🇵🇱 neoklasycyzm

🇯🇵 新古典主義 (しんこてんしゅぎ)

🇫🇷 néoclassicisme

🇪🇸 neoclasicismo

🇹🇷 neoklasisizm

🇰🇷 신고전주의 (singojeonjuui)

🇸🇦 الكلاسيكية الحديثة

🇨🇿 neoklasicismus

🇸🇰 neoklasicizmus

🇨🇳 新古典主义 (xīn gǔdiǎn zhǔyì)

🇸🇮 neoklasicizem

🇮🇸 nýklassík

🇰🇿 неоклассицизм

🇬🇪 ნეოკლასიციზმი

🇦🇿 neoklassisizm

🇲🇽 neoclasicismo

Word origin

The term Neoclassicism was first coined in the mid-19th century to describe the revival of classical forms in art and architecture. The movement was influenced by the rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman texts and artifacts, leading to a renewed interest in classical aesthetics and ideals. Neoclassicism rejected the ornate and extravagant styles of the baroque and rococo periods, instead favoring simplicity, symmetry, and order. This emphasis on classical principles extended beyond the arts and into literature, philosophy, and politics, shaping the cultural landscape of Europe during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

See also: classicism, classicist.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,125, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.