Monday Morning Museum: Neoclassicism

Neoclassicism – Mid-Eighteenth Century to Early-Nineteenth Century

Neoclassicism (from Greek νέος neos, Latin classicus and Greek -ισμός ismos) is the name given to Western movements in the decorative and visual arts, literature, theatre, music, and architecture that draw inspiration from the "classical" art and culture of Ancient Greece or Ancient Rome. The main Neoclassical movement coincided with the 18th century Age of Enlightenment, and continued into the early 19th century, latterly competing with Romanticism. – Wikipedia.org

In addition to Anton Raphael Mengs (see art example below), other Neoclassicists are Robert Smirke, Robert Adam, Antonio Canova, Jean-Antoine Houdon, Bertel Thorvaldsen, J. A. D. Ingres and Jacques-Louis David.

Giocomo Casanova, 1760 by Anton Raphael Mengs (1728-1779)

Last Monday’s Art – Les Nabis
Next Monday’s Art – Neo-Plasticism

Top of post: “Neoclassicism” graphic created by Adrean Darce Brent
Below: “Monday Morning Museum” logo created by Adrean Darce Brent

Monday Morning Museum: Jacques-Louis David

Self-Portrait, 1794 by Jacques-Louis David

Jacques-Louis David – Tuesday 30 August 1748 Paris, France to Thursday 29 December 1825 Brussels, Netherlands

French Neoclassical Painter

The Death of Socrates, 1787

“In 399 B.C., having been accused by the Athenian government of impiety and of corrupting young people with his teachings, the philosopher Socrates was tried, found guilty, and offered the choice of renouncing his beliefs or drinking the cup of hemlock. He died willingly for the principles he held dear. Here he gestures toward the cup, points toward the heavens, and discourses on the immortality of the soul. The picture, with its stoic theme, has been described as David’s most perfect neoclassical statement.” – Metropolitan Museum of Art

Last Monday’s Artist – Frederic Edwin Church
Next Monday’s Artist – Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci

“Monday Morning Museum” logo created by Adrean Darce Brent