Neoklassískur

Neoklassískur is an Icelandic term that translates to "neoclassical" in English. It refers to a revival of artistic and architectural styles that draw inspiration from classical antiquity, primarily ancient Greece and Rome. This movement emerged in the mid-18th century as a reaction against the perceived excesses of the Baroque and Rococo styles, which were seen as overly ornate and frivolous.

Neoclassicism emphasized order, reason, clarity, and a return to more restrained and harmonious forms. In architecture, this manifested in the use of classical elements such as columns, pediments, domes, and symmetrical layouts. Buildings often featured clean lines, geometric shapes, and a sense of grandeur and stability.

In art, neoclassical painters and sculptors favored themes from mythology, history, and literature, often with moralizing or didactic undertones. They strove for idealized forms, balanced compositions, and a smooth, polished finish, rejecting the emotional intensity and dramatic flair of earlier styles.

The neoklassískur movement had a significant impact on European culture and its influence can be seen in various forms of art, literature, and design. It represented a desire for a return to perceived fundamental values and a belief in the enduring power of classical ideals.