"Classicism, in the arts, refers generally to a high regard for a classical period, classical antiquity in the Western tradition, as setting standards for taste which the classicists seek to emulate."
This topic explores the historical and social background of classicism including the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and Neo-classical eras.
The Enlightenment: The intellectual and philosophical movement characterized by rationalism, empirical observation, and belief in progress that paved the way for literary classicism in the 18th century.
Neoclassicism: The revival of classical art and literature during the 18th century that elevated reason and logic above emotional expression in literature.
Roman/Latin Literature: The literature of ancient Rome, especially the works of Virgil, Horace, and Ovid, that inspired literary classicism in Europe.
Greek Literature: The literature of ancient Greece, especially the works of Homer, Aristophanes, and Sophocles, that influenced literary classicism in Europe.
The Ancients vs. The Moderns: The debate among literary scholars during the 17th and 18th centuries over whether ancient literature was superior to modern literature, and whether literary works should follow classical models or innovate.
The Grand Tour: The practice of wealthy young men traveling to Europe, especially Italy and Greece, during the 18th century to study classical art and culture, which contributed to the popularity of literary classicism.
The Augustan Age: The period of English literature during the 18th century that was characterized by a revival of classical models in poetry, drama, fiction, and criticism.
French Classicism: The literary style that emerged in France during the 17th century, exemplified by the works of Racine and Corneille, that prioritized reason, order, and clarity in literature.
Satire: A literary genre that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize contemporary society, often with reference to classical models.
Epic Poetry: A literary genre that traces its roots to the epics of ancient Greece and Rome, characterized by grand themes, heroic characters, and formal diction.
The Heroic Couplets: A type of rhymed verse in iambic pentameter characterized by two rhyming lines, popularized by the poets of the Augustan Age.
The Sublime: An aesthetic concept that was popular during the 18th century, characterized by feelings of awe, reverence, and transcendence that could be inspired by nature, art, or literature.
The Rococo Style: A decorative and artistic style that emerged in Europe during the 18th century, characterized by elaborate ornamentation and a focus on frivolity and pleasure.
Shakespearean Influence: The influence of William Shakespeare on literary classicism, especially his ability to combine classical themes and forms with human emotions and psychology.
Enlightenment Philosophy: The philosophical ideas that underpinned literary classicism, including rationalism, empiricism, and the belief in human progress through reason and science.
Political Context: The rise of absolute monarchies in Europe and the consolidation of their power influenced writers to praise and celebrate the ruling elite.
Social Context: The social hierarchy was strictly adhered to in the 18th century, and the elite classes were very cognizant of their status. Hence, wealth and social status were highly valued and prominently celebrated in literature.
Philosophical Context: The 17th and 18th centuries saw a rise in scientific thinking and rationalism, which were reflected in literature through an emphasis on logic, clear expression, and order.
Literary Context: The Renaissance was a period of experimentation with new forms and styles of literature. Literary Classicism emerged in response, advocating a return to the classical form of poetry, prose, and drama.
Historical Context: This literary movement was also influenced by the rediscovery of the classical works of Greece and Rome that were brought back to Europe from the East. These works became a significant source of inspiration for writers and artists.
Cultural Context: The 18th century also saw the rise of the Enlightenment, which emphasized reason and the pursuit of knowledge. This cultural shift had a profound impact on literature, with writers embracing rational thinking and realistic portrayals of their subjects.
"It is an aesthetic attitude dependent on principles based in the culture, art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome, with the emphasis on form, simplicity, proportion, clarity of structure, perfection, restrained emotion, as well as explicit appeal to the intellect."
"The art of classicism typically seeks to be formal and restrained."
"A violent emphasis or a sudden acceleration of rhythmic movement would have destroyed those qualities of balance and completeness through which it retained until the present century its position of authority in the restricted repertoire of visual images."
"Classicism, as Clark noted, implies a canon of widely accepted ideal forms, whether in the Western canon that he was examining in The Nude (1956)."
"The Age of Enlightenment, when Neoclassicism was an important movement in the visual arts."
"Classicism is an aesthetic attitude dependent on principles based in the culture, art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome."
"The emphasis on form, simplicity, proportion, clarity of structure, perfection, restrained emotion."
"Classicism, in the arts, refers generally to a high regard for a classical period, classical antiquity in the Western tradition, as setting standards for taste which the classicists seek to emulate."
"It is an aesthetic attitude dependent on principles based in the culture, art, and literature of ancient Greece and Rome, with the emphasis on form, simplicity, proportion, clarity of structure, perfection, restrained emotion, as well as explicit appeal to the intellect."
"A violent emphasis or a sudden acceleration of rhythmic movement would have destroyed those qualities of balance and completeness through which it retained until the present century its position of authority in the restricted repertoire of visual images."
"The Age of Enlightenment, when Neoclassicism was an important movement in the visual arts."
"Classicism is a force that is often present in post-medieval European and European influenced traditions."
"If we object to his restraint and compression we are simply objecting to the classicism of classic art."
"A violent emphasis or a sudden acceleration of rhythmic movement would have destroyed those qualities of balance and completeness through which it retained until the present century its position of authority in the restricted repertoire of visual images."
"The art of classicism typically seeks to be formal and restrained."
"Classicism, as Clark noted, implies a canon of widely accepted ideal forms."
"Balance, completeness, and restrained emotion are qualities sought after in classicism."
"Classicism, as Clark noted, implies a canon of widely accepted ideal forms, whether in the Western canon."
"Neoclassicism was an important movement in the visual arts during the Age of Enlightenment."