Classicism – a timeless phenomenon from antiquity to the present day

The Characteristics of Classicism

The key characteristics of Classicism are formal clarity, idealised representations, harmony of dimensions and proportions, and symmetry. There was a marked return to the classical traditions of ancient architecture and art, particularly to Greek and Roman models. Artists and architects strove for an idealised representation of form and proportion based on clear geometric principles. Buildings were often designed with typical ancient elements such as column orders, pediments and symmetrical façades. The use of simple, harmonious lines and the emphasis on symmetry and balance reflected the pursuit of rationality and order. Inspired by Greek and Roman architecture, the artists and architects of this period strove for an ideal of harmony, moderation and proportion. In sculpture and painting, the depiction of idealised human figures was favoured, often with mythological or historical themes. The works were intended not only to be aesthetically pleasing, but also to convey moral values such as virtue and reason.

In the paintings and sculptures of the Classical period, the human figure was depicted in an idealised manner, usually in a calm and controlled pose. Scenes from mythology, history or literature often served as motifs for conveying moral and philosophical messages. The depiction of virtues such as bravery, self-discipline or self-sacrifice was a central concern. Emotions were deliberately portrayed with restraint in order to emphasise the rational and sublime effect of the works. The choice of materials often emphasised the simplicity and quality of the forms. Marble, natural stone and stucco were favoured to emulate the appearance of ancient buildings. At the same time, great importance was attached to the functionality of the architecture. Buildings were intended not only to be aesthetically pleasing, but also to be practical and to meet the requirements of their intended use.

In Classicist painting, the scenes depicted from Greek and Roman antiquity were often imbued with a ‘patriotic’ subtext. Characteristic of this period are clear contours and sharp delineations, a flat application of paint with a rather cool colour palette, and a clearly structured, harmonious composition of the figures, which exude a calm, almost sublime aura. The result is a combination of simplicity, functionality and symbolic expressiveness that lends influence to this artistic era and its classical tradition.

Famous Neoclassical artists and Neoclassical paintings

There are numerous important examples of Neoclassical art. This artistic period produced some of the most influential figures, whose works are still admired today. Among the best known are Jacques-Louis David, a master of historical and political painting, and Antonio Canova, who set new standards with his elegant marble sculptures. Angelica Kauffmann, a pioneer in painting, combined mythological themes with moral ideals, whilst Karl Friedrich Schinkel made his mark not only as an architect but also as a painter and set designer. Their artworks reflect the characteristics of Classicism, such as ideals of clarity, harmony and moral significance. Together, they represent the diversity and influence of this style in European art history.

Antonio Canova: A virtuoso of sculpture 

Antonio Canova (1757–1822) was an Italian sculptor renowned for his masterful use of marble and his idealised depictions. His works embody the harmonious and balanced principles of the movement. Among the most famous examples of Neoclassical sculpture are Canova’s works *Psyche with Cupid* (1787–1793) and *The Three Graces* (1814–1817), which are admired for their grace and elegance. Canova also created numerous monuments and portrait sculptures, including the impressive tomb of Pope Clement XIV in St Peter’s Basilica.

Angelica Kauffmann: A female pioneer in a male-dominated field

Angelica Kauffmann (1741–1807) was one of the few significant female artists of the Classical period. She was both a painter and an influential figure in the European art world. Her works often combine elements of ancient mythology with a focus on emotion and virtue. A well-known painting is *Cornelia, Mother of the Gracchi*, depicting her children as her greatest treasure (1785). In this work, Kauffmann highlights the importance of moral values and family ideals, a typical theme of the era. As a founding member of the Royal Academy of Arts in London, she played a significant role in spreading this artistic style across Europe.

Karl Friedrich Schinkel: A universal spirit spanning multiple disciplines

Karl Friedrich Schinkel (1781–1841) was not only a major architect of the period, but also an outstanding painter and set designer. In his paintings, he demonstrated a preference for idealised landscapes and architectural visions. One of his best-known works is the painting *Medieval Town by a River* (1815), which depicts a harmonious fusion of nature and architecture and is characterised by classical order. His stage designs, such as those for Mozart’s opera *The Magic Flute*, are also regarded as masterpieces of the artistic period. They reflect his ability to integrate ancient motifs and idealised forms into an overall artistic context that is both aesthetically and symbolically compelling.

Classical Architecture – How Ancient Temples Lived On

The Classical period is characterised not only by impressive painting and sculpture; architecture also played a major role. It, too, was strongly influenced by the clear, symmetrical and harmonious forms of Greek and Roman antiquity. Typical features of Classicist architecture include temple façades with columns, triangular pediments and strict geometric proportions. The use of Doric, Ionic or Corinthian column orders played a central role. The aim was to create an aesthetic that was both simple and sublime, often representing moral and political ideals such as order, reason and stability. Neoclassical buildings frequently served a representative function and were used as theatres, museums or government buildings.

Among the most significant architectural figures of this period are Karl Friedrich Schinkel, who created iconic buildings such as the Neue Wache (1816–1818) and the Altes Museum (1823–1830) in Berlin, Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, who created a visionary building in the Saline Royale in Arc-et-Senans (1775–1779) that combined rationality and functionality. John Soane also made significant contributions with the Bank of England building (1792–1823) and the Dulwich Picture Gallery (1817). Other important buildings include the Panthéon in Paris (1758–1790) and the Capitol in Washington, D.C., USA. Originating in Europe, the classical architectural style spread globally and continues to be regarded as a harmonious classical architectural language.

What remains of this era today?

The influence of the Classical era is still evident today in art and architecture through its clear formal language, harmony and orientation towards ancient ideals. Many modern public buildings, such as government and court buildings, draw on features of this artistic era – such as columns, symmetrical façades and monumental proportions – to convey stability and authority. The pursuit of simplicity and functionality also recurs time and again in contemporary architecture. In art, echoes of the aesthetic of this period can be found in a return to figurative representations, clear compositions, idealised depictions and the conveyance of moral values. In figurative art in particular, the focus on proportion, harmony and the depiction of the human body as an aesthetic ideal has endured. Furthermore, the development of academic art was influenced by this period. Art academies, such as the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, based their curricula on classical principles for a long time. This tradition continues to shape the training of many artists to this day. The ideals of this artistic period – such as clarity, rationality and the emphasis on universal values – also find their way into modern art movements, whether as a source of inspiration or through a conscious engagement with classical ideals. Furthermore, the influence of Classicism on societies can be seen in lived values such as rationality and order, which are still regarded today as the foundation of many democratic systems.

Classicism shaped not only art, but also urban and political life. Its architecture influenced public buildings, such as parliament buildings, museums and theatres, and had a far-reaching impact by serving as the basis for later movements, such as Historicism, in the revival of ancient styles. Its pursuit of timeless and universal principles continues to have an effect to this day.

Classicism at the Student Art Market

Some of the artists at the Student Art Market also incorporate classical elements into their work. Among others, these can be found in works by Neah Byson,  Melissa Faltermeier, , Ricarda Lake, Zara Upçin and Sebastian Lorenz features landscape motifs, naturalistic depictions and harmoniously serene compositions. Classicism, as a timeless phenomenon from antiquity to the present day, can also be explored as animals in art or floral expression at SKM.

Frequently Asked Questions about Classicism