Neoclassicism: Art, Philosophy, and Cultural Impact

Understanding Neoclassicism: Origins and Evolution

The Enlightenment's Influence on Neoclassicism

The term 'Neoclassicism' emerged in the nineteenth century as a pejorative term to describe the movement that, from the mid-eighteenth century, had been influencing philosophy and subsequently all areas of culture. This change was largely due to the Enlightenment, which, with its desire to streamline all aspects of life and human knowledge, replaced the role of religion as an organizer of human existence with a secular moral order based on human relations and a Deist concept of nature. A prime example of this attempt to systematize knowledge is the publication of the Encyclopédie by Diderot and d'Alembert (1751-1765), a key work of this movement.

Characteristics and Global Development

Neoclassicism was not a homogeneous movement; it encompassed many different ideas and developed concurrently in various countries. It became well-established in the late eighteenth century and declined during Napoleon's imperial government, when Romantic influences became very clear. While perhaps originating from the late Gallic Baroque, Neoclassicism in almost all countries was markedly anti-French. This sentiment was further accentuated by Napoleon's occupation of Europe, which in turn awakened a desire in each country to recover their respective native styles.

Core Principles of Neoclassical Art

Rejection of Rococo and Return to Antiquity

The rejection of Rococo art fueled the drive to restore ancient art, which was perceived as uncontaminated by the 'degeneration' of the Baroque. Consequently, it was considered an archetype of beauty. This interest in recovering ancient forms became the common ideal that shaped Neoclassicism into an international style, spreading rapidly through an abundance of critical and theoretical texts. Mid-eighteenth-century writings consistently emphasized the need for artists to return to classical antiquity as a model, viewing it as:

• The true style
• The origin of art
• Essentially, a return to nature

Greek Art as the Neoclassical Ideal

Greek art was considered the ideal of beauty due to its noble simplicity and restraint in portraying human passions. This concept significantly influenced the portrayal by Neoclassical artists, often resulting in a certain coldness and lack of overt expressiveness in their works.