Introduction to the Classicism Movement
The Classicism movement was an artistic and literary movement that depended on the principles of the old Greece and Rome, this art movement originated in the 17th century in which they described art and the culture of the ancient times. Classicism was a Western art movement in which the artist emphasized the concept of classical Greek and Roman art, culture, and literature. The movement can be characterized by the admiration for the accomplishments of these ancient civilizations, which are often related to harmony, restraint, and simplicity, The founders of this art movement were the ancient Greeks.
Origins of Classicism: A Journey Back to Ancient Greece and Rome
Despite the fact this art was from classical Greece and Rome which can often be classified under the terms which are “Greco-Roman art,” “classical art,” or the “art of antiquity,” in reality, art making was visibly changed throughout the years. The artwork that the classical Greeks created is enormously different from the later artworks that Roman artists created. Classical art, also known as the Classicism art movement, extracts inspiration from ancient Roman and Greek culture, literature, and architecture. Classical art draws inspiration from the Greeks and Romans emphasizing realism, proportion, and harmony.
Thematic Focus of the Classicism Movement
The subject matter of this magnificent art movement includes Human figures which showed the relationship between the shape and the gods, Classical mythology which included Roman gods and heroes, Beauty virtue, and harmony whose main focus was on ideals, religious themes, and last patriotism. Classicism art movement represents a scene, inspires devotion, or tells a story. In this painting mythology or religious scenes were often depicted. The art style often focused on form, simplicity, proportion, clarity of structure, perfection, and restrained emotions.
Characteristics of Classical Art
Some of the key characteristics of this art movement are first is balance and proportion the Classists were known for their balance and proportional artwork. They used to make idealized figures; The color palate was plain during this art movement. The line work was simple to paint realistic paintings. These artworks were emotionally neutral. Classical art focuses on the form, simplicity, and clarity of structure. The human figures were the central point of this artwork, they wanted to represent human forms with grace and harmony.
Key Artists of the Classicism Movement
The pioneers of this art movement are Nicholas Poussin, Claude Lorrain, and Pompeo Batoni. Nicholas Poussin was a French artist One the leading figures during the classical art period he painted mostly religious and mythology themes, his famous artwork is A Dance to the Music of Time. Claude Lorrain was a French artist who was famous for his ideal landscapes, his famous artwork is The Embarkation of the Queen of Sheba. And last is Batoni, an Italian artist who displayed a solid technical knowledge in his portrait work his famous painting is Allegory of Peace and War.
Conclusion
- The Classicism movement was an artistic and literary movement which was depended on the principles of the old Greece and Rome.
- Classical art which is also known as the Classicism art movement extracts inspiration from ancient Roman and Greek culture, literature, and architecture.
- The subject matter of this magnificent art movement includes Human figures which showed the relationship between the shape and the gods.
- The main focus was on balance and proportions, simple line work, and subdued colors.
