Neoclassicism

In the late 1700s, artists got tired of the fancy Rococo style. They wanted something more serious and grand. They looked back at ancient Greece and Rome for ideas. This new style was called Neoclassicism, which means new classicism. Artists painted heroes, battles, and important moments from history. Buildings were designed with tall columns like Greek temples. This style was clean, bold, and powerful.

Inspired by the Ancients

Artists and architects studied ancient Greek and Roman ruins. They copied the columns, arches, and simple shapes they saw. Jacques-Louis David was a famous Neoclassical painter in France. He painted serious scenes from ancient history. His paintings had strong lines and bold colors. People in his art looked like ancient heroes, calm and brave.

Buildings and Statues

Neoclassical buildings can be found all over the world. The White House and the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., use this style. They have tall columns and triangle-shaped roofs just like Greek temples. Sculptors also made smooth, white marble statues that looked like ancient ones. This style was popular during the American and French Revolutions because people admired the ideas of ancient democracies.

Fun Facts

• Many government buildings in the United States were built in the Neoclassical style to remind people of ancient democracies.
• Jacques-Louis David was the official painter for Napoleon Bonaparte, the famous French leader.
• The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., looks like an ancient Greek temple because of the Neoclassical style.

Did You Know?

When scientists dug up the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in the 1700s, it helped start the Neoclassical movement!