neoclassical painting

Neoclassical painting emerged in the late 18th century as a response to the excesses of the Baroque and Rococo styles. It draws inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman art, emphasizing clarity, order, and harmony. Neoclassical artists focused on idealized forms and subjects such as heroic figures, mythology, and moral narratives. They often used subdued colors and precise lines to convey seriousness and intellectual themes. Prominent painters include Jacques-Louis David and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. This movement reflected Enlightenment values, promoting reason, virtue, and citizenship in art, as opposed to the emotional extravagance of the preceding styles.