"
The Apotheosis of Homer," by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, is a prime example of neoclassical painting.
Neoclassicism, which came into being in the mid-18th century, was a backlash against the portrayals of degenerate and decaying society as portrayed by the Rococo style that preceded it. Neoclassical artists embraced the ideals of order and moderation. Artistic interpretations of classic Greek and Roman history were restored to realistic portrayals. Neoclassical painters attached great importance to depicting the costumes, settings and details of classical subject-matter with as much historical accuracy as possible, without adding distracting details.
Instructions
1. Look for paintings that contain ancient Greek and Roman themes, particularly themes that reflect moral messages, heroism and virtuous behavior. Notice subjects who show reserved emotions and whose portrayals are authentic and deliberately painted.
2. Notice that neoclassical artists used cool colors. Regard the somber, linear characteristics and sharp outlines of figures. Notice the order, balance and self-control portrayed in the paintings themselves. Look for depictions of famous authentic and mythological Greek and Roman characters such as Virgil or Homer.
3. Learn to recognize the names of famous neoclassical painters such as Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres. Jacques Louis David was noted as the principal artist of the neoclassical style.
