Neoclassicism

France was on the brink of its first revolution in 1789.

late 1700s

Beginner's guide

Neo-Classicism means "new classicism." The artists of this period looked back to ancient Greek and Roman art.

videos + essays

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Jacques-Louis David, <em>The Death of Socrates</em>
Jacques-Louis David, The Death of Socrates

What is worth dying for? David draws comparisons between ancient Roman philosopher Socrates and the French Revolution

Classic, classical, and classicism explained
Classic, classical, and classicism explained

What's the difference between classic art, classical art, and classicism?

Carlos Julião, watercolor manuscript
Carlos Julião, watercolor manuscript

Hindu religion, Brazilian customs, and Andean artworks as seen through the eyes of a European colonizer.

Portraits of Francisca Ramírez de Laredo and Antonio de Ulloa
Portraits of Francisca Ramírez de Laredo and Antonio de Ulloa

These portraits of a couple show us what the sitters want us to see about them, and conceal the less glamorous details of their lives

Jeremias Schul, Portrait of a Lady Holding an Orange Blossom 
Jeremias Schul, Portrait of a Lady Holding an Orange Blossom 

Who she is and how this painting came to be painted has yet to be unraveled, but a close reading of the dress provides clues to narrow the window for future research. 

Printmaking in Europe, c. 1400−1800
Printmaking in Europe, c. 1400−1800

The portability and affordability of prints contributed to the exchange of information and ideas between cultures.

Marie-Guillemine Benoist, <em>Portrait of Madeleine</em>
Marie-Guillemine Benoist, Portrait of Madeleine

This portrait of an unnamed woman speaks volumes about slavery, politics, and gender in revolutionary France.

David, <em>The Emperor Napoleon in His Study in the Tuileries</em>
David, The Emperor Napoleon in His Study in the Tuileries

As the low candles and late hour suggest, Napoleon is short on time. David captures the twilight of his reign.

David, <em>Study for The Lictors Bringing Brutus the Bodies of his Sons</em>
David, Study for The Lictors Bringing Brutus the Bodies of his Sons

Rendering the grief of wives and daughters, David depicts the wrenching domestic aftermath of personal sacrifice.

Antonio Canova, <em>Penitent Magdalene</em>
Antonio Canova, Penitent Magdalene

The novelist Stendhal called this sculpture “the greatest work of modern times.” Canova disagreed.

Soufflot, The Panthéon (Church of Ste-Geneviève), Paris
Soufflot, The Panthéon (Church of Ste-Geneviève), Paris

Uniting ancient Greek purity with Gothic daring, this church marked a new direction for French architecture.

Vignon, Church of La Madeleine
Vignon, Church of La Madeleine

This Neoclassical monument to Napoleon’s army was modeled on an ancient Roman temple in Nîmes, just much bigger.

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