10.1 Neoclassical sculpture

Neoclassical sculpture revived ancient Greek and Roman ideals, emphasizing simplicity, clarity, and balanced proportions. Artists like Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen created works that embodied these principles, often depicting mythological or historical subjects in white marble.

The movement was influenced by the Age of Enlightenment and archaeological discoveries. Sculptors aimed to capture the essence of classical beauty through idealized human forms, smooth surfaces, and precise anatomical details, reflecting the cultural and intellectual climate of the time.

Neoclassical Sculpture Characteristics

Reviving Classical Ideals

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• Neoclassical sculpture sought to revive the ideals and aesthetics of ancient Greek and Roman art
  • Emphasized simplicity, clarity, and balanced proportions
  • Aimed to capture the essence of classical beauty through idealized human forms
  • Often depicted mythological, historical, or allegorical subjects

Technical and Stylistic Elements

• Sculptures typically feature smooth surfaces, precise anatomical details, and a sense of stillness or restraint in the figures' poses and expressions
• Prevalent use of white marble evoked the purity and timelessness associated with classical art
• Contrapposto pose employed to create a sense of natural balance and grace
  • Figure's weight is shifted to one leg
• Drapery depicted in a simplified, linear manner
  • Emphasized the underlying form of the body
  • Recalled the style of ancient Greek and Roman statuary

Greek and Roman Influence on Neoclassical Sculpture

Inspiration from Ancient Masters

• Neoclassical sculptors drew inspiration from works of ancient Greek masters
  • Phidias, Praxiteles, and Lysippos
  • Roman copies of Greek originals
• Discovery of ancient sculptures during the 18th century fueled renewed interest in classical art
  • Apollo Belvedere and the Laocoön group

Emulating Classical Elements

• Studied and emulated proportions, postures, and facial expressions found in ancient sculptures to achieve ideal beauty and harmony
• Emphasis on moral virtue and civic duty in ancient art resonated with Neoclassical sculptors
  • Sought to convey similar values through their works
• Incorporated classical iconography to evoke the spirit of antiquity
  • Laurel wreaths, togas, and mythological attributes

Prominent Neoclassical Sculptors

Antonio Canova (1757-1822)

• Leading figure in Neoclassical sculpture
• Known for elegant and refined works
  • "Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss" and "Perseus with the Head of Medusa"
• Sculptures exemplified Neoclassical ideals of grace, beauty, and technical mastery
• Influence extended throughout Europe

Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844)

• Danish sculptor who spent most of his career in Rome
• Works embodied Neoclassical principles of simplicity and classical beauty
  • "Jason with the Golden Fleece" and "Christus"

Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828)

• French sculptor known for portrait busts and statues of prominent figures
  • Iconic seated portrait of Voltaire and sculpture of George Washington
• Ability to capture likeness and character of subjects while adhering to Neoclassical principles

John Flaxman (1755-1826)

• English sculptor and draughtsman celebrated for elegant and expressive line drawings
  • Scenes from Homer's Iliad and Odyssey greatly influenced Neoclassical art
• Sculptures showcase mastery of classical forms and storytelling
  • "The Fury of Athamas" and memorial reliefs

Cultural Context of Neoclassical Sculpture

Philosophical and Intellectual Influences

• Age of Enlightenment in the 18th century provided philosophical foundation for Neoclassicism
  • Emphasis on reason, order, and classical ideals
• Excavations of ancient sites (Pompeii and Herculaneum) sparked renewed interest in classical antiquity
  • Provided firsthand examples of ancient art for Neoclassical artists

Sociopolitical Factors

• Political and social upheavals of the late 18th century fostered desire for art embodying virtues of republicanism, patriotism, and moral rectitude
  • American and French Revolutions
• Grand Tour exposed artists to classical art and architecture
  • Traditional trip undertaken by wealthy Europeans to visit cultural landmarks of Italy and Greece

Institutional and Theoretical Developments

• Establishment of art academies promoted Neoclassical principles and provided training for aspiring sculptors
  • Royal Academy in London and Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris
• Writings of art historians and theorists shaped development of Neoclassical sculpture
  • Johann Joachim Winckelmann championed superiority of Greek art and its emphasis on ideal beauty