Glossary

2.3 The influence of ancient Greek and Roman art on Neoclassicism

6 min read•august 13, 2024

revived ancient Greek and Roman art in the 18th and 19th centuries. Artists drew inspiration from classical ideals, themes, and techniques to create works that reflected Enlightenment values and contemporary issues.

The movement embraced classical forms, proportions, and subjects while adapting them to modern contexts. This fusion of ancient and contemporary elements produced a distinct style that influenced Western art for generations.

Classical Antiquity's Influence on Neoclassicism

Neoclassical Period and its Inspiration from Antiquity

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  • The Neoclassical period, spanning from the mid-18th to early 19th centuries, was characterized by a renewed interest in and admiration for the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome
  • Neoclassical artists sought to emulate the ideals of classical antiquity, including harmony, proportion, simplicity, and moral virtue, as a reaction against the perceived frivolity and excess of the preceding Rococo period (characterized by ornate, light-hearted, and often frivolous art)
  • The rediscovery of ancient sites like Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as the writings of influential scholars such as Johann Joachim Winckelmann (German art historian who published influential works on ancient art), fueled the Neoclassical fascination with classical antiquity
  • Neoclassical artists believed that by adopting the forms, themes, and principles of ancient Greek and Roman art, they could create works of timeless beauty and moral significance, reflecting the values of the Age of Enlightenment (emphasis on reason, order, and classical ideals)

Specific Elements of Ancient Art Inspiring Neoclassicism

  • Neoclassical artists drew inspiration from the idealized human figures found in ancient Greek and Roman sculpture, characterized by their perfect proportions, balanced poses, and serene expressions (Apollo Belvedere, Laocoön and His Sons)
  • The use of classical drapery, with its crisp, linear folds and emphasis on the underlying human form, was a hallmark of Neoclassical art, as seen in the works of Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen
  • Neoclassical artists often incorporated classical architectural elements, such as columns, pediments, and friezes, into their compositions to evoke the grandeur and stability of ancient monuments (Pantheon in Rome, Parthenon in Athens)
  • The restrained color palettes and smooth, polished surfaces of ancient Greek and Roman art influenced the Neoclassical preference for clarity, precision, and technical mastery, evident in the works of and

Neoclassical Art's Inspiration from Antiquity

Themes and Narratives from Classical Sources

  • Neoclassical artists frequently depicted themes and narratives from classical mythology, history, and literature, such as the Trojan War, the life of Alexander the Great, and the works of Homer and Virgil
  • These classical subjects provided a rich source of moral and heroic exemplars, allowing Neoclassical artists to convey Enlightenment ideals and contemporary political messages through the lens of antiquity (David's "," depicting a scene from Roman history to promote republican virtues)
  • The use of classical themes also demonstrated the artists' erudition and their alignment with the intellectual and cultural values of the Neoclassical period, which placed great emphasis on the study and emulation of classical antiquity

Influence on Artistic Techniques and Media

  • The technical mastery and naturalistic rendering of ancient Greek and Roman art inspired Neoclassical artists to refine their own skills and techniques, particularly in the areas of drawing, modeling, and sculpture
  • Neoclassical artists often worked in media associated with classical antiquity, such as marble sculpture and fresco painting, in order to further evoke the spirit of the ancient world (Canova's marble sculptures, David's frescoes in the Louvre)
  • However, Neoclassical artists also adapted these classical techniques and media to suit the tastes and technologies of their own time, such as the use of oil painting on canvas, which allowed for greater portability and flexibility than traditional fresco painting

Neoclassical vs Ancient Art

Similarities in Form and Principle

  • Neoclassical artists sought to emulate the idealized human figures, balanced compositions, and restrained emotional expression of ancient Greek and Roman art
  • Both ancient and Neoclassical art often depicted mythological, historical, and literary themes, serving as moral and cultural exemplars for their respective societies
  • The use of classical architectural elements, such as columns and pediments, is common in both ancient and Neoclassical art, evoking a sense of grandeur, stability, and timelessness

Differences in Context and Purpose

  • While Neoclassical artists sought to emulate the forms and principles of classical antiquity, their works often reflected the tastes, values, and concerns of their own time, resulting in a distinct artistic style that blended classical and contemporary elements
  • Neoclassical sculptures, such as Antonio Canova's "Perseus with the Head of Medusa," often exhibited a greater sense of drama, movement, and emotional intensity compared to the more static and serene figures of ancient Greek and Roman art
  • Neoclassical painters, like Jacques-Louis David, frequently used classical themes and imagery to comment on contemporary political and social issues, such as the , infusing their works with a moral and didactic purpose that was less prevalent in ancient art
  • While ancient Greek and Roman artists often worked in a variety of media, including bronze, marble, and fresco, Neoclassical artists primarily focused on oil painting and marble sculpture, reflecting the tastes and technologies of their era

Neoclassical Reinterpretations of Classical Forms

Selective Borrowing and Synthesis

  • Neoclassical artists selectively borrowed and synthesized elements from various periods and styles of classical antiquity, creating an idealized vision of the ancient world that often blended Greek and Roman influences
  • This selective approach allowed Neoclassical artists to create a cohesive and idealized image of classical antiquity that aligned with Enlightenment ideals and contemporary artistic tastes, even if it did not always accurately reflect the historical reality of ancient art
  • For example, Neoclassical artists often combined the naturalistic proportions and idealized beauty of Greek art with the more dramatic compositions and historical themes of Roman art, creating a hybrid style that embodied the Neoclassical ideal of classical perfection

Reinterpretation of Themes and Narratives

  • Neoclassical artists frequently reinterpreted classical themes and narratives to suit their own artistic, moral, and political agendas, as exemplified by works like David's "Oath of the Horatii," which used a story from Roman history to promote republican virtues
  • By adapting classical subjects to contemporary contexts, Neoclassical artists demonstrated the enduring relevance and universality of ancient themes, while also asserting their own creative agency and artistic vision
  • This reinterpretation of classical themes also allowed Neoclassical artists to engage with the intellectual and political discourses of their time, using the authority and prestige of classical antiquity to lend weight to their own ideas and arguments

Adaptation to Contemporary Subjects and Contexts

  • In some cases, Neoclassical artists adapted classical forms and motifs to depict contemporary subjects, such as Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres' portrait of Napoleon I on his imperial throne, which combined classical imagery with modern political iconography
  • This adaptation of classical forms to contemporary subjects demonstrated the flexibility and versatility of the Neoclassical style, as well as its ability to convey a sense of timelessness and authority to modern subjects
  • By infusing contemporary subjects with classical forms and motifs, Neoclassical artists sought to elevate and ennoble their own time, suggesting a continuity between the ideals of classical antiquity and the values of era

Lasting Impact on Western Art

  • The Neoclassical reinterpretation of classical antiquity had a lasting impact on Western art, influencing subsequent movements such as and Academic art, and setting the stage for the more radical departures of modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
  • Neoclassical art's emphasis on , moral and intellectual rigor, and the emulation of classical forms became a defining feature of academic art education throughout the 19th century, shaping the training and artistic practices of generations of artists
  • Even as later artistic movements rejected the strict of Neoclassical art, the influence of classical antiquity continued to be felt in the work of many modern artists, who often engaged with classical themes and forms in new and innovative ways (Pablo Picasso's neoclassical period, Salvador Dalí's surrealist interpretations of classical myths)

Key Terms to Review (18)

Chiaroscuro: Chiaroscuro is an artistic technique used to create a strong contrast between light and dark, enhancing the three-dimensionality of forms and the dramatic quality of a composition. This method plays a crucial role in emphasizing depth, volume, and mood, making it a fundamental aspect of various art movements, particularly Neoclassicism and Impressionism.
Classicism: Classicism is an artistic style and cultural movement that draws inspiration from the art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome. It emphasizes harmony, proportion, balance, and a focus on ideal beauty, often reflecting themes of reason and order. This style became particularly prominent during the Renaissance and later influenced Neoclassicism, which sought to revive classical ideals in response to the emotional excesses of Baroque art.
Doric: Doric refers to one of the three classical orders of ancient Greek architecture, characterized by its sturdy columns with fluted shafts and simple, unadorned capitals. This architectural style emphasizes strength and simplicity, which became foundational elements in Neoclassical architecture, echoing the values of ancient Greek and Roman art. The Doric order represents a return to the ideals of harmony and proportion that were prominent in antiquity, greatly influencing the design principles of the Neoclassical movement.
French Revolution: The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799, which led to the end of absolute monarchy, the rise of democracy, and the establishment of republicanism. It significantly influenced the art world by inspiring movements that emphasized reason, individualism, and the principles of liberty and equality.
Heroism: Heroism refers to the qualities or actions of individuals who display great courage, noble intentions, and self-sacrifice, often in the face of adversity or danger. This concept is central to various artistic movements, where it embodies the ideals of virtue, bravery, and moral integrity that resonate through time, often reflecting societal values and aspirations.
Humanism: Humanism is a cultural and intellectual movement that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, focusing on the study of classical texts and the potential for individual achievement. Rooted in the revival of ancient Greek and Roman art, it champions the importance of human experience, reason, and ethical values, which became central to the development of Neoclassicism. This movement influenced not only art but also literature, philosophy, and education during the Renaissance and beyond.
Idealization: Idealization is the artistic process of portraying subjects in a manner that emphasizes perfection, beauty, and harmony, often by enhancing or omitting certain details to present an ideal standard. This concept draws heavily from ancient Greek and Roman art, which sought to represent the human form and nature in their most perfect states, influencing the Neoclassical movement that emerged later. Idealization serves not only to elevate the subject but also to convey cultural values and aspirations, making it a critical element in understanding artistic traditions.
Ionic: Ionic refers to a style of architecture and design characterized by the use of columns featuring scroll-like capitals. This term is directly connected to the classical orders that have influenced various artistic movements, particularly Neoclassicism, which sought to revive the ideals of ancient Greek and Roman art. The Ionic order is notable for its elegance and proportions, making it a key element in both architecture and sculpture during the Neoclassical period.
Jacques-Louis David: Jacques-Louis David was a prominent French painter, known for his influential role in the Neoclassical movement during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His works exemplify the key characteristics of Neoclassicism, emphasizing clarity, order, and moral themes while drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman art. David's art not only captured historical and mythological narratives but also played a significant role in shaping national identity and pride during a period of political upheaval in France.
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres: Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres was a French Neoclassical painter known for his precision in form and a commitment to classical ideals of beauty. His work reflects the defining characteristics of Neoclassicism through its emphasis on clarity, idealized forms, and moral narratives, while simultaneously showcasing the influence of ancient Greek and Roman art with its historical references and themes.
Neoclassicism: Neoclassicism is an artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th century, characterized by a return to classical ideals of harmony, simplicity, and proportion drawn from ancient Greek and Roman art. This movement was a reaction against the ornate styles of Baroque and Rococo art, seeking inspiration from the rationality and virtues of classical antiquity, and played a significant role in shaping cultural identity and national pride during the 19th century.
Oath of the Horatii: The Oath of the Horatii is a neoclassical painting created by Jacques-Louis David in 1784, depicting a scene from Roman history where three brothers pledge to defend their city against their enemies. This artwork embodies key principles of Neoclassicism, emphasizing moral virtue, patriotism, and the stark contrast between personal loyalty and civic duty. Its dramatic composition and use of classical themes also showcase how ancient Greek and Roman art influenced Neoclassicism and how such works played a role in shaping cultural identity and national pride during the 19th century.
Patriotism: Patriotism is the feeling of love, devotion, and loyalty that individuals have toward their country. This sentiment often manifests in a desire to promote national interests and values, and it can be expressed through art, literature, and public displays. In the context of Neoclassicism, patriotism played a significant role as artists sought to draw inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman ideals that emphasized civic duty and virtue, reflecting a sense of pride in one's nation.
Romanticism: Romanticism was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in the late 18th century and flourished throughout the 19th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the sublime aspects of nature. It emerged as a response to the rationalism of the Enlightenment and the constraints of Neoclassicism, influencing various art forms and expressing a deep connection to personal experience and imagination.
Symmetry: Symmetry refers to a balanced and proportionate arrangement of elements in a work of art or architecture, where parts are organized in a harmonious way around a central axis. In art and design, symmetry creates a sense of order, beauty, and stability, often seen as aesthetically pleasing. It plays a critical role in various artistic movements, particularly in Neoclassicism, where classical ideals emphasize rationality, balance, and harmony derived from ancient Greek and Roman influences.
Tenebrism: Tenebrism is a painting technique characterized by the use of dramatic contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and three-dimensionality. This method emphasizes the stark differences in illumination, often using a single light source to illuminate certain areas while plunging others into shadow. This technique can heighten emotional intensity and draw attention to specific subjects, often seen in works influenced by both Baroque art and classical ideals from ancient Greece and Rome.
The Death of Sardanapalus: The Death of Sardanapalus is a dramatic painting by Eugène Delacroix, completed in 1827, depicting the final moments of the Assyrian king Sardanapalus, who chooses to end his life rather than face defeat. This work showcases the emotional intensity and vivid colors typical of Romantic art while also reflecting influences from classical themes, illustrating the tension between Neoclassicism and Romanticism during its creation.
The Enlightenment: The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that emerged in Europe during the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This period greatly influenced various fields, including art, as thinkers sought to challenge established norms and promote new ideas about human rights, democracy, and scientific progress, ultimately shaping the artistic expressions seen in Neoclassicism, which drew heavily from ancient Greek and Roman ideals.
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