Neoclassicism: A Deep Dive into Art, Architecture, and Sculpture

Neoclassicism: A Second Wave of Greco-Roman Influence

Neoclassicism represents the second wave of Greco-Roman revival in art. This movement emerged in central Italy during the early 18th century, partly fueled by archaeological discoveries in Pompeii and a rejection of the late Baroque style.

The Goal of Neoclassicism

The ultimate aim of Neoclassicism was to create a perfect society by instilling classical values of reason and morality through art. It sought to showcase the splendor of a civilized society grounded in civic virtues.

Two Phases of Development

The movement unfolded in two phases. The first, centered in Rome around 1755, is represented by figures like Winckelmann (imitation of the ancients) and Mengs (art over nature).

The second phase, beginning around 1770, saw the international acceptance and spread of Neoclassical principles through academies.

The Role of Academies

Academies played a crucial role in promoting Neoclassical ideals. They emphasized:

• The liberal arts
• Palladio's architectural model
• Rationality, order, and harmony in architecture
• Classical models in sculpture
• Classical and contemporary subjects in painting, prioritizing drawing over color

Academies structured their curriculum in three stages:

1. Principles Room
2. Plaster Room and Live Model Room
3. Live Model Chamber

Prestigious academies included the Academy of St. Luke in Rome, the Royal Academy in Paris, the Royal Academy in London, and the San Fernando Academy in Madrid. These institutions held annual competitions to encourage young artists.

Architecture: Juan de Villanueva

Juan de Villanueva, a student at the San Fernando Academy who received a grant to study in Rome, became the prototypical Neoclassical architect in Madrid, embracing the "Neo-Palladian" style.

Appointed architect of El Escorial, Villanueva designed the Casita del Arriba and Casita de Abajo (1773) for the sons of Charles III. These two recreational Palladian villas in the mountains of Madrid served Prince Gabriel and the future Charles IV. The Casita del Arriba was also used for aristocratic gatherings in 1784.

Villanueva also designed El Pardo Palace for the future Charles IV, opting for a rectangular design for the central section.

His most significant work is the Palace of Sciences (now the Prado Museum, 1785). A key characteristic of Villanueva's civil architecture is the use of hexastyle porches, a design element borrowed from Palladian architecture.

Sculpture: Antonio Canova

Antonio Canova is the most representative sculptor of the Neoclassical movement. His fascination with ancient sculpture heavily influenced his artistic direction.

Canova's sculptures are known for their sensory quality, enhanced by a polished finish. This contrasts with the coldness often associated with Neoclassical sculpture.

Summoned to Paris by Napoleon, Canova sculpted portraits of the emperor, his mother Letizia, and his sister Pauline Bonaparte Borghese. The latter, depicted semi-nude on a couch as Venus Victrix (holding the Apple of Discord), is a masterpiece showcasing the sensuality of the female form.

Canova also created the Three Graces at the request of the Duke of Bedford.