Neoclassicism
The
neoclassic movement began in the mid 1700s and was a reaction to the decorative
style known as the Rococo movement. Unlike Rococo, neoclassic paintings
consisted of clean lines and showed heroic Acient Greek and Roman figures which
were often subjects to their paintings.
Themes of
the paintings emphasized stoicism and heroism.
The
paintings of this era had a noble simplicity. They were characterized by
symmetry, clean lines and emphasis on the subjects faces to help tell the
story.
There is emotion in these paintings however it is used with more control than in the Rococo era.
There is emotion in these paintings however it is used with more control than in the Rococo era.
The
paintings feature sharper colours than those found in the Baroque or Rococo period.
Art of this era made plenty use of the chiaroscuro technique, which plays with
contrast between light and dark colours and tones. This provides a sense of
drama to the paintings and also helps bring to life the multidimensionality of
the objects.
Jean-Auguste-Dominique
Ingres, Apotheosis of Homer.
This
painting depicts a pageant of artists and philosophers including; Shakespeare,
Mozart, Plato, Socrates and Moliere.
Homer is at the center of these historical figures and is receiving a crown of laurel leaves from a Roman Goddess called Nike.
Homer is at the center of these historical figures and is receiving a crown of laurel leaves from a Roman Goddess called Nike.
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