Neoclassical ArtBY MITCHELL HENDERSON, SEAN MCBRIDE, JOHN CATRANIS

Characteristics of Neoclassical Art

Roman/Greek themes

Serious attitude

Unemotional

Usually involving something heroic

Somber colors

Occasional brilliant highlights

Sometimes used to depict self sacrifice

Important Painters of Neoclassical

Jacques Louis-David (Oath of the Horatii, Coronation of Napoleon)

Antonio Canova (Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss, The Three Graces)

Francisco Goya (Retrato de Martín Zapater, Charles IV of Spain and His Family)

Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (Napoleon on his Imperial Throne, Virgil reading to Augustus)

Oath of the Horatii

Part of the neoclassical era because of the representation of civic virtue, archways in the background, marble flooring, Roman clothing, serious attitude and brilliant highlights of colors in the center of the painting.

This reflects to European history because the painter, Jacques-Louis David, was part of the radical thinkers in the revolution, and he believed in civic virtue, so he painted this picture as a representation.

The Coronation of Napoleon

Part of the neoclassical era because of the archways in the background, centering on a heroic figure, brilliant highlights on Napoleon, serious attitude throughout the entire painting, and the idea of man, reason and logic before religion.

Reflects to European history because it depicts Napoleon at an actual event and shows him as a very important figure, which was the popular belief at this time.

Napoleon on his Imperial Throne

Part of neoclassical era because of the focus on a heroic figure, unemotional look on Napoleon, serious attitude, occasional bright highlights, especially on Napoleon’s face and robes, Roman-like throne/clothing, and focus on power.

Reflects to European history because it depicts Napoleon as supreme (centering), powerful (majority of painting/on a high throne) and impartial (facial expression). These are qualities of a good ruler, which was a popular belief in France at the time.

Effects of Neoclassical

Beginnings of Nationalism.

Inspired Romanticism.

Inspired designs for several famous buildings, such as The White House.

Encouraged logical thinking and reason.

Many famous works of art and architectures.