Neoclassicism: A Definition
Neoclassicism was a style of art and architecture, popularized in the
1750s, which was born from the scientific questioning of the
Enlightenment. The prefix ÒneoÓ
means Ònew,Ó so the term Neoclassicism literally means Ònew classicism.Ó Physically,
it was the re-emergence of Greek influences such as columns, arches, and domes.
More subtly, it was a fundamentally rationalist style, an obvious response
to the frivolous ornamentations and pomp of Baroque art, which had previously
been popular. Neoclassical artists operated through calculation and science.
Many critics, including Romantics, believed
that Neoclassical art had a lack of aesthetic beauty and the Neoclassical
artists had a lack of artistic skill. However, though it is said that Neoclassical
artists painted with a cold, scientific detachment from their art the reality
is the contrary. It is obvious in the art of Jacques-Louis
David, for example, painted political scenes about which he was quite
passionate. Neoclassicism was such an effective response to Baroque art that
it came to represent liberal Whig politics in England, at a time when Baroque
art represented the conservative Tory party. Neoclassicism was a modern movement:
even though it ironically revived old styles, it used those revivals to respond
to the excess of the Baroque.
Chiswick House
An
example of Neoclassical architecture is Lord Burlington and William KentÕs
Chiswick House, built in 1725. It is beautifully simple; its surfaces are flat,
white, and without decoration. The plan for Chiswick house reveals geometric
symmetry and a carefully calculated layout. It is a polar opposite of the
Baroque excess of Blenheim Palace, a popular building at the time. It seems as
though the plan for Chiswick House was carefully calculated, with all the
measurements and numbers perfected. Chiswick House is the prototypical
Neoclassical building; constructed rationally, scientifically, and as a
response to Baroque architecture.