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Elegant women in oil paintings, the charm of classicism

2024-08-07

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Classicism

(Western classical)

As a brilliant and profound chapter in the history of Western art and culture, its influence transcends the boundaries of time and region, becoming a bridge connecting the past and the future, the East and the West. This trend of thought, based on the glorious civilization of ancient Greece and Rome, is not only a retrospect and tribute to ancient aesthetics and wisdom, but also a concentrated embodiment of the rational spirit and pursuit of order in the Age of Enlightenment. Classicism began in France in the 17th century, and then spread like ripples throughout the European continent and even the world. Its influence was far-reaching and lasting. It gradually faded out of the mainstream cultural stage until the rise of the romantic wave in the 19th century.





The rise and background of classicism

The rise of classicism is an inevitable product of specific historical conditions. In 17th century Europe, on the eve of the scientific revolution and the Enlightenment, the light of rationalism began to penetrate the haze of the Middle Ages and illuminate people's world of thought. During this period, philosophers advocated a way of thinking based on reason, opposed religious superstition and feudal autocracy, and pursued the advancement of knowledge and social fairness. Against this background, classicism emerged as a literary and artistic trend. It emphasizes the return to ancient Greek and Roman culture, not only because these ancient civilizations contain rich artistic treasures and philosophical thoughts, but also because they represent a shining example of human rationality and order.







The artistic characteristics of classicism

In literary theory and creative practice, classicism takes ancient Greek and Roman literature as a model, pursuing perfection in form and rationality in content. In the field of literature, classical writers focus on rigorous structure, refined language and restrained emotions, and strive to convey a deep insight into human nature, society and the order of the universe through their works. In architecture and art, classicism is manifested in the unremitting pursuit of symmetry, balance and harmony. The magnificent palaces, solemn sculptures and elegant paintings all reveal a solemnity and elegance that transcends the times.







The various forms of classicism

As time goes by, classicism has gradually differentiated into various forms in the process of development, such as "neoclassicism", "nostalgic classicism" and "academic classicism". As a modern interpretation of classicism, neoclassicism retains the essence of classical aesthetics while incorporating the aesthetic concepts and technical means of the new era, creating an artistic style that is both retro and fashionable. Nostalgic classicism focuses more on the recollection and reproduction of the good old days, and evokes people's resonance and nostalgia for the past years through works of art. Academic classicism, on the other hand, is more reflected in the field of art education. It emphasizes the systematic study and inheritance of classical art traditions, and has cultivated a large number of artists with superb skills and pure styles.













The historical significance of classicism

Classicism not only left a strong mark in the history of European art, but also had a profound impact on later generations. It promoted the integration of art and science and promoted the progress and development of human civilization. At the same time, the rational spirit and order concept advocated by classicism also provided important ideological resources for the construction of modern society. Although classicism gradually withdrew from the stage of mainstream culture with the rise of romanticism, its spiritual core is like a bright star, always illuminating the path of human exploration of truth and beauty.



















In short, classicism is an indelible and glorious chapter in the history of Western art and culture. It is based on ancient Greek and Roman culture, combines the rational spirit and pursuit of order in the Age of Enlightenment, and creates a series of immortal art treasures. These works not only have extremely high aesthetic value, but are also the crystallization of human wisdom and civilization, and are worthy of our eternal cherishment and inheritance.