Neoclassical Art
(Second Half of 18th century)
Introduction
 Neoclassical Art emerged in the mid-18th century and
spread through Europe until the first decades of the 19th
century
 Reaction against the artificiality of the Baroque and the
Rococo.
 Return to order, balance, serenity, proportion, harmony,
etc. of the ancient classical Greco-Roman style
Architecture
 Focused on the rational, sensible, simple, and useful
 Very little decoration (as opposed to the Baroque
and Rococo)
 Elements of classical architecture returned:
 the column as an essential element
 classical designs and facades
 use of domes.
Architecture: France
Pantheon of Illustrious Men (Paris)
Architecture: France
Pantheon of Illustrious Men (Paris)
Architecture: France
Church of St. Magdalene (Paris)
Architecture: France
Church of St. Magdalene (Paris)
Architecture: France
Arc de Triompe (Paris)
Architecture: France
Resembles the
Arch of Titus
(Rome)
Arc de Triompe (Paris)
Architecture: Spain – Sabatini
Puerta de Alcalá (Madrid)
Architecture: Spain – Juan de Villanueva
Museo del Prado (Madrid)
Sculpture
 Sculpture evolves from complex & dynamic Baroque styles to
calmer and more balanced compositions
Characteristics:
 Modeled after Classical Greek sculpture
 Classical traditions: mythology, portraits, commemorative
arches
 Idealization of reality: search for ideal beauty, serene
expressions, etc
 Use of non-polychromed marble or bronze
Sculpture: Cánova (Italy)
 Cánova was the most important sculptor in European neoclassical
sculpture
 Mythological themes, ancient classical style
The Three Graces Apolo coronándose a sí mismo
Sculpture: Cánova (Italy)
Amor y psique
(Psique reanimada por
el beso)
Sculpture: France
La partida de los voluntarios de 1789
(Marseilles)
Sculpture: Spain
El ángel caído (El Retiro)
Painting
 The challenge: few original Greek and Roman paintings
existed for painters to use as a model
Little interest in light and color
Coldness, excessive linearity, lack of movement
 Themes: mythological, portrait, historical events
Painting: David
Judgement of the Horacios
Painting: David
Napolean crossing the Alps
Painting: Ingres
The Great Odalisque
With a partner…
 Do activity 3 on page 24.
 Using what you have learned about the Rococo and
Neoclassical styles, comment on the characteristics of 2-3 of
the works shown on page 25. Do you like the work?
Why/why not?

Neoclassical art