Neoclassicism and Romanticism Overview

Neoclassicism (1780-1840)

• A significant trend in art and literature influenced by ancient Greek and Roman culture.
• Also known as the Age of Enlightenment, promoting reason and order.

Romanticism (1800-1810)

• An artistic movement focusing on emotion, individualism, and the presentation of sentimental experiences.

Core Values

• Neoclassicism emphasizes order and solemnity.
• Romanticism celebrates intuition, emotion, and imagination.

Subject Matter

• Neoclassicism often features Greek and Roman history.
• Romanticism draws inspiration from legends, exotica, nature, and themes of violence.

Distinct Features

• Neoclassicism is characterized by reason and an emphasis on societal importance over individuality.
• Romanticism prioritizes passion, originality, the natural world, and subjective experience.

Characteristics of Neoclassicism

• Formal compositions and portrayal of human history, utilizing diagonals to convey emotion.
• Classic geometric structures with attention to local color and lighting details.

Neoclassic Painting

• Embraced moderation and realistic portrayals, focusing on authentic costumes and settings.

Key Neoclassical Artists

• Jacques Louis David: Known for historical subjects and notable works like "Napoleon Crossing the Alps" and "Oath of the Haratii."
• Jean-Auguste Dominique Ingres: A disciple of David, recognized for his nudes, portraits, and mythological themes, with significant works including "Portrait of Napoleon on the Imperial Throne" and "The Apotheosis of Homer."

Neoclassic Sculpture

• Inspired by Roman styles and the aesthetics of the time of Alexander the Great.
• Prominent sculptors include Antonio Canova and Berthel Thorvaldsen.

Notable Neoclassical Sculptors

• Antonio Canova: An Italian artist celebrated for marble sculptures, including "Psyche Awakened by Cupid's Kiss" and "Washington."
• Berthel Thorvaldsen: A Danish artist known for mythological and religious figures, famous for works like "Christ" and "Lion of Lucerne."

Neoclassical Architecture

• Emerged in the mid-18th century, rooted in the designs of classical Greece, Rome, and Andrea Palladio.
• Key architectural styles include Temple Style, Palladian Style, and Beaux-Arts Style.

Noteworthy Architects

• Robert Adam: Known as the Palladian architect of the Neoclassical period, famous for significant structures like the White House and the United States Capitol.

Themes and Characteristics of Romanticism

• Explores longing for history, supernatural elements, social injustice, and a deep connection with nature.
• Features dramatic emotional extremes and heightened sensations in composition.

Romantic Painting

• Place significant emphasis on emotional expression in portraits and figures, showcasing both subtle and intense feelings.

Explore the key characteristics and differences between Neoclassicism and Romanticism, two pivotal movements in art and literature from the late 18th to early 19th century. Discover how these movements were influenced by ancient cultures and how they approached themes of emotion, order, and individualism.