Classicism is a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in ancient Greece and Rome and subsequently influenced Western civilization. The term refers to a style or approach characterized by adherence to the aesthetic principles and values of ancient Greece and Rome, particularly during the periods of the fifth and fourth centuries BCE. Classicism emphasizes order, balance, symmetry, clarity, and harmony in art, literature, architecture, and other aspects of cultural and intellectual life.
In the visual arts, classicism is often associated with the use of idealized forms, often inspired by ancient Greek and Roman sculptures. A classical approach typically involves the depiction of figures and scenes in a naturalistic manner, exploring themes of mythology, history, and human experience. Classicism tends to reject excessive ornamentation or individualistic expression in favor of a more restrained and universal style.
In literature, classicism refers to the use of formal structures, such as meter and rhyme, and the exploration of universal themes and moral values. Classicist authors often draw on ancient texts and myths, employing a disciplined and balanced style of writing.
In architecture, classicism emphasizes principles of proportion, harmony, and balance. Classical buildings tend to have symmetrical designs with columns, arches, and other elements borrowed from ancient Greek and Roman architecture. Classicism in architecture seeks to evoke a sense of timelessness and enduring beauty.
Overall, classicism represents a reverence for ancient Greek and Roman civilization and a desire to emulate its ideals, forms, and values in contemporary cultural and artistic expressions.
