classicus which is similar in meaning to the English phrase first class. Neo-classicism is the name given to the western movements in the decorative and visual arts. Also, it applies to literature, theater, music, and architecture that draw inspiration from the classical art and culture of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. Itcoincided with the 18th century Age of Reason also known as Age of Enlightenment. The art style was brought about by the renewed interest for Greek and Roman Classics. Neo-Classical art pieces such as paintings, sculpture, and architecture generally portrayed Roman history which elevated the Roman heroes. Rebirth of Roman History Formal composition The use of diagonals show the apex of emotion/moment (versus a regular moment) Local color Overall lighting Classic geo-structure JACQUES-LOUIS DAVID (1748-1825) France Influential French painter in the Neoclassical style, and considered to be the pre-eminent painter of the era. His subjects are more on history. THE DEATH OF MARAT David’s masterpiece shows the portrayal of a revolutionary martyr. This is a painting of the murdered French revolutionary leader Jean-Paul Marat. NAPOLEON CROSSING THE ALPS The painting that showed a strongly idealized view of the real crossing that Napoleon and his army made across the Alps through the Great St. Bernard Pass in May 1800. OATH OF HORATII It was a large painting that depicts a scene from the Roman legend about the dispute between Rome and Alba Longa. The three brothers, all of whom appear willing to sacrifice their lives for the good of Rome, are shown saluting their father who holds their swords out for them. JEAN-AUGUSTE- DOMINIQUE INGRES (1780-1867) France Ingres was a pupil of Jacques-Louis David. He was influenced by Italian Renaissance painters like Raphael, Nicolas Pousin, Botticelli, and his mentor, Jacques-Louis David His paintings were usually nudes, portraits, and mythological themes. He was regarded as one of the great exemplars of academic art and one of the finest Old Masters of his era. PORTRAIT OF NAPOLEON ON THE IMPERIAL THRONE The painting depicts Napoleon in his decadent coronation costume, seated on his golden- encrusted throne, hand resting upon smooth ivory balls. During his reign, the painting was owned by the Corps Legislatif which was a part of the French Legislature. The painting was believed to be commissioned by Napoleon as King of Italy. THE APOTHEOSIS OF HOMER The painting was a state-commission by Charles X to have him remembered in the building works of the Louvre. The painting depicts an image of Homer, receiving to brilliant men of Rome, Greece and contemporary times. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. ANTONIO CANOVA (1752-1822) Italy Canova was a prolific Italian sculptor who became famous for his marble sculptures that delicately rendered nude flesh. He opened the idea for portraying discrete sexual pleasures by using pure contours with his mythological compositions. PSYCHE AWAKENED BY CUPID’S KISS A marble sculpture portraying the relationship of Psyche and Cupid. WASHINGTON This is a marble sculpture of George Washington currently displayed at North Carolina Museum of History. BERTEL THORVALDSEN (1789-1838) Denmark Thorvaldsen was the first internationally acclaimed Danish artist. He executed sculptures of mythological characters. CHRIST A marble sculpture image of resurrected Christ currently located at the Thorvaldsen Museum. LIONOF LUCERNE A sculpture of a dying lion in Lucerne, Switzerland that commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution.