Neoclassical Sculpture
Neoclassical art was known to be the dominant style of art in Europe and America in the 18th and 19th centuries. It included Neoclassical architecture, painting, and plastic art of all kinds. As it was inspired by archaeological discoveries at Pompeii and Herculaneum, Neoclassical sculptors rejected the prettiness of the Rococo in favor of the clarity and sophistication of Greek art and Roman art. The Neoclassicist revival first began in Rome from where is spread to France, England, Germany, Sweden, Russia, and eventually America.
To hone in on the general characteristics of neoclassicism, it was essentially meant to be the imitation of the art of classical antiquity in predominant Europe. This style was greatly achieved by propaganda of the German scholar Johann Winckelmann and the German painter Anton Raphael Mengs. Although the movement may be viewed as a spontaneous reaction against the Baroque and Rococo Sculptors, the imitation of Greek and Roman sculpture practiced by Neoclassicists was more absolute than Renaissance sculptors like Michelangelo. The production of the best ancient periods were not known, by the works of Praxiteles and Hellenistic art in general were taken as the supreme models.
The Neoclassicist exaggerated the traits of his prototypes, making the model as far as possible from the generalized beauty of antiquity. The aims that he set himself were Hellenic repose of body, impassivity of countenance, and simple composition. Occasionally, in a last homage to Baroque sculpture or in an effort to break the traditions of Neoclassical style, he dared to use gesticulation. Pictorial perspective was essentially banished from relief works. Christian subjects were seen as less capable of the top-tier artistic expressions in classical mythology and history. Artists often tried to make these works similar to Greek or Roman figure by using ancient costume or ancient nudity, the most modesty including a drape. Although Neoclassicism had its own virtues, it was quite distinct from the Baroque pictorialism.
Some beautiful examples of Neoclassical sculpture are featured below:
As neoclassical sculpture made its way around Europe and the Americas, it only further proves the excellence and innovation behind such art. The contempt for Rococo and Baroque sculpture, but love for the Greek arts truly conveyed its impact on the displays. As we embrace these sculptors, let us not forget the motivational and dedicated history behind it. Despite the great struggles and victories, the desired outcomes made its way through. Without it, we would not be able to cherish such memorable pieces.
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