Neo-Classical Period

The Neo-Classical Period, roughly from the mid-18th to early 19th century, was an artistic and cultural movement that drew inspiration from the classical art and philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome. It emphasized clarity, order, and balance, moving away from the earlier ornate Baroque and Rococo styles. In architecture, art, and literature, Neo-Classicism focused on simplicity, symmetry, and reason, reflecting Enlightenment ideals. This period sought to revive the perceived virtues of classical antiquity, encouraging rationality and civic virtue in art and society. Notable examples include neoclassical architecture like the Pantheon in Paris and works by artists like Jacques-Louis David.