Neo-classic wall art
In the late 18th century, under the reign of Louis XV, the Rococo style triumphed. History painting was supplanted by a "fickle" painting embodied by the works of artists such as Antoine Watteau or François Boucher. Painting lost its moral dimension. Neoclassicism was a reaction to this painting, which was considered frivolous and decadent. Neoclassicism flourished in 19th century Europe, but has its roots in the late 18th century. It gave primacy to drawing and prescribed the use of classical perspective in order to represent rigorously constructed compositions. History painting and its noble heroes with great moral virtues were given pride of place. Neoclassical works show a return to antiquity. This new repertoire of ancient models was encouraged by archaeological discoveries at the end of the 18th century (such as Pompeii and Herculaneum) and advocated by theorists like Johann Joachim Winckelmann, who praised the imitation of Greek painting and sculpture. Their spread was also encouraged by the popularity for the Grand Tour, a social and educational journey undertaken by European artistocrats. Neoclassicism developed significantly in French painting, particularly in the works of Jacques-Louis David. In 1784 - 1785, he produced the founding work Le Serment des Horaces. The artist depicts the three Horatii brothers swearing an oath to their father to defend Rome, then at war with Alba, until their death. This episode was one of the major events in the founding of Republican Rome in the 7th century BC. The strict rules and framework of Neoclassicism gave way in the 19th century to Romanticism, which preferred the expression of the artist's feelings in art.
Major Neoclassical works and artists
French neoclassicism is embodied by the artist Jacques-Louis David, whose workshop and teachings were to have a great influence later on. Between 1796 and 1799, he produced Les Sabines. The episode of the abduction (or kidnapping) of the Sabine women is one of the legendary and founding events in the history of Rome. The new city, founded by Romulus, was populated by soldiers who lacked women. In order to ensure the prosperity of the city and their descendants, the Romans invite the Sabins to a celebration where they kidnap their wives. This episode is told by Titus Livius (Livy) in the History of Rome and has met great success in the arts since the 16th century. This tragic moment allows artists to depict a crowd of moving male and female bodies whose faces embody the whole spectrum of emotions. In sculpture, the major representative of Neoclassicism is the Italian artist Antonio Canova. Between 1787 and 1793, he created Psyche revived by Love's Kiss, a group of two marble sculptures now displayed in the Louvre. Psyche is a princess envied by Aphrodite for her extraordinary beauty. The goddess of love sends her son Cupid (also called Love/Eros) and orders him to make her fall in love with a mortal. However, before he can accomplish his mother’s will, Cupid is wounded by one of his arrows and falls madly in love with her. This legend is told by the 2nd century author Apuleius in the Metamorphoses. Canova depicts the two protagonists, Psyche and Eros/Cupid, at the key moment of the myth. These two pure figures, clearly inspired by ancient Greek and Roman models, demonstrate the neoclassical influence of the artist, whom his contemporaries considered the "new Phidias" (in reference to the Greek sculptor). Finally, Jean-Auguste Dominique Ingres is often considered the last representative of neoclassicism. He was a pupil of David, and remained faithful to his style. In 1814, he produced Une odalisque, known as the Grande Odalisque, now on display in the Louvre.
Our neo-classicism style artprints will bring an artistic and elegant touch to your home. The sense of detail and refined aesthetics of these posters will not fail to catch the eye. The neoclassic style is an inspiring and decorative art form. Muzeo offers you a selection of collage artworks for the most passionate art lovers in the form of paintings, cushions, wallpapers or lampshades. All our artprints are handmade by craftsmen who take pride in preserving the spirit of the work.
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