Sunday, April 19, 2009
Neoclassicism
Neoclassicism was the renewal of Greek and Roman culture and it occurred from 1600 to 1750. I think it is amazing to look at some of the characteristics of neoclassicism and see how it has still survived today. Neoclassicism consisted of clarity, simplicity, and restraint. When looking at these characteristics, it may be difficult to comprehend how this period was successful and how elements of it have still survived today, but when taking a closer look, one can see that this period may have been in response to the Enlightenment period. Stuck in between Enlightenment and Romanticism, Neoclassicism was an attempt to bring back old ways. The Enlightenment tried to understand everything in the world and even deal with future thinking. This is where Neoclassicism became popular because people attempted to bring back what they already know, and also the prior intelligence that had already been brought before them by the Greeks and Romans. The simplicity and clarity of Neoclassicism were appealing elements as they counter acted those complex elements of the Enlightenment. Neoclassicism brought balance to society through its cultural aspects that had been present in the Greek and Roman cultures. It was an attempt to go back to previous ages that had survived for so long and bring their simple, clear, and balance elements into an age that was muffled with obscurity and opaque understanding. The elements of Neoclassicism are still in affect today as they remind people of cultures that were and cultures that flourished.
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I find it very interesting that you bring up the point about balance. I to feel that Neoclassicism brought balance to society; however, i feel that Neoclassicism itself was a balance. It is my belief that Neoclassicism in itself was a balance; a balance of ideas from the Enlightenment and ideas that were starting to surface that were to be considered Romanticism.
ReplyDeleteAs you stated above Neoclassicism contained clarity, I believe that this is an idea taken from the Enlightenment. The period of reason known as the Enlightenment was all about making clear unknown things.
Also as you stated above Neoclassicism involved simplicity. Nothing could be simpler then describing nature and feelings, which is an idea taken from Romanticism.
The final point of your post states that elements of Neoclassicism can still be found today, this statement couldn't be more true. However, I feel that in addition to reminding people of cultures that flourished, Neoclassicism can still be found today because it was a perfect blend of two great movements in time, the Enlightenment and Romanticism.
I find it interesting that Neoclassicism was a reaction against the Baroque and Rococo styles. They desired to return the arts to the purity it once had throughout Rome.The tide of neoclassicism in painting is exemplified in early paintings by Jacques-Louis David. I find it interesting how this great renewal was such a major force throughout the arts.
ReplyDeleteCommonly characterized by sharp colors the neo classicism was a great expression of the American Renaissance Movement in America, which I think many fail to see.