What Is Classicism in Art History?

Art|Art History

Classicism in art history is a term used to describe the period in European art history which began in the mid-18th century, when artists and art historians began to look to the ancient Greek and Roman cultures for artistic inspiration. This movement had a strong influence on the development of Western painting, sculpture, architecture, and music.

Classicism was based on the idea that art should imitate nature and should be restrained in its form and composition. It was characterized by order, harmony, balance, gracefulness, and simplicity. Its emphasis was on clarity of expression rather than on emotion or drama.

Classical painting was characterized by an idealized representation of figures with balanced proportions and clear outlines. Colors were used sparingly and muted tones were favored over bright ones. The most common subjects for Classical paintings were landscapes, portraits, historical scenes, allegories, religious themes, still lifes, and genre scenes.

In Classical sculpture, a similar aesthetic prevailed with figures depicted in idealized proportions with smooth surfaces and a focus on symmetry. Sculptural works tended to be more narrative than paintings; they often depicted gods or heroes from mythology or heroic events from history.

In architecture as well as classical sculpture and painting there was an emphasis on symmetry and simplicity of form. Columns were frequently employed along with other elements taken from Greco-Roman architecture such as triangular pediments or Corinthian capitals used as decorative elements atop columns or around doorways or windows.

Classical music is rooted in the same aesthetic as other forms of Classical art; it emphasized balance and clarity over emotionality or drama. It featured melodies which had simple structures which could be easily remembered by listeners; these melodies were often repeated throughout a piece of music in order to create memorable motifs which reinforced its overall structure. Harmony played an important role as well; chords were constructed using intervals based upon mathematical ratios rather than used simply to create emotional effects.

Conclusion: Classicism has had a strong influence on Western art history since the mid-18th century when artists began looking to ancient Greek and Roman cultures for inspiration; it is marked by balance, harmony, proportionality, gracefulness, simplicity of form and clarity of expression rather than emotionality or drama.