Neo ­ Classicism

Jacques-Louis David, Oath of the Horatii, 1785

Neo-Classical Art was a revival of Greek and Roman ideals; Strength, Courage, Patriotism and Restrained Emotion. It was inspired by the art of antiquity between the archaic and Hellenistic period, when Greek culture was thought to be at it’s prime. The movement was primarily in France but had some influence elsewhere in Europe. The art was reactionary against the sentimental and emotion-evoking Baroque and lightheartedness of the Rococo of the previous century. Neoclassical art was quite harsh compared to these two genres. The discovery of ancient Roman cities, Herculaneum and Pompeii also helped in reviving this art form. Antiquity quickly became in vogue for fashion, art and politics. Artists of this period sought to express ideals of bravery, valor, love and nationalism. These were the predominant principles of ancient Greece and Rome. Neo-Classical Art arose hand in hand with the renewal of classical thought throughout Europe and had great bearing on the French Revolution.

A leading artist during the Neo-Classical period was Jacques-Louis David (1748 – 1825). Much of David’s work was painted for the royal commission. However, later his work became anti-monarchist and he was closely associated with the French Revolution and the overthrow of the monarchy and the reigning king, Louis XVI.

Jacques-Louis David, Intervention of the Sabine Women, 1799

Although painted before the overthrow of the monarchy, Oath of the Horatii is a classical example of Neo-Classical artwork. The work depicts the three Roman Horatii Brothers who settled a duel to death concerning a dispute between their cities. The scene in the painting depicts the brothers, along with their father, taking the oath to engage in the battle. Roman themes not only arise in the story depicted but also in the vigorous patriotism of the three brothers. In contrast, on the right, the women weep for what is to come.

Jacques-Louis David’s, Intervention of the Sabine Women, is painted in David’s mature neo-classical style. Here he depicts a classic battle where heroically the Sabine women join in combat.

At the beginning of the 19th Century, Romanticism emerged in reaction to Neo-Classicism. Both styles dominated the next century.