Neoclassicism

Neoclassicism was a particularly pure form of classicism that emerged from about 1750

related terms and concepts
selected artists in the collection
selected artworks in the collection

Sir Joshua Reynolds
*Three Ladies Adorning a Term of Hymen* (1773)
Tate

Following the discovery of the Roman ruins of Pompeii and also the publication in 1764 of a highly influential history of ancient art by German scholar Winckelmann, there was an intense flourishing of classicism in art, architecture and design in the eighteenth century.

In Britain it can be seen in the paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds, Benjamin West and James Barry and in sculpture in the work of John Flaxman, whose illustrations to Homer’s Odyssey particularly reflect this interest. Neoclassicism was also an important influence on architecture, particularly in Scotland (Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson) but also for example St George’s Hall, Liverpool; Euston Arch (demolished), and the British Museum, in London.

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Classicism

The term classicism is used to describe art that makes reference to ancient Greek or Roman style
Academy

Established during the Renaissance and widespread by the seventeenth century, academies were artist-run organisations whose aim was to improve the professional standing of artists as well as to provide teaching
History painting

The term history painting was introduced in the seventeenth century to describe paintings with subject matter drawn from classical history and mythology, and the Bible – in the eighteenth century it was also used to refer to more recent historical subjects
Narrative

Narrative art is art that tells a story