Classicising

Classicising, or classicising, is the process of adopting or imitating the forms, principles, or subjects associated with classical antiquity, particularly Greek and Roman art, literature, architecture, and philosophy. It involves shaping new works to resemble classical models or integrating motifs such as symmetry, proportion, and clarity of expression. The term is used across disciplines to describe both deliberate emulation and broader stylistic influence.

Historically, classicising is central to the neoclassical movement of the 18th and early 19th centuries, when artists, architects, and writers sought to revive the perceived virtues of antiquity as a counterpoint to Baroque exuberance. In architecture, the use of orders, pediments, and friezes; in painting and sculpture, mythological subjects and idealized figures; and in poetry and drama, formal meters and restrained diction all reflect classicising tendencies.

In contemporary usage, classicising can be a descriptive, descriptive term for works that draw on classical models. Its value is debated: proponents argue that it promotes clarity, discipline, and cultural continuity, while critics contend that it can be conservative or limiting, potentially suppressing innovation and diverse voices. The term is also used to describe scholarly restorations or adaptations that aim to align modern texts or performances with perceived classical norms.

See also classicism, neoclassicism, and classical revival.