nýklassískur

Nýklassískur refers to Neoclassicism, an artistic and architectural movement that emerged in the mid-18th century, drawing inspiration from the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. This style reacted against the perceived excesses and frivolity of the Baroque and Rococo periods, favoring clarity, order, and rationality. In architecture, Neoclassicism is characterized by the use of classical elements such as columns, pediments, and domes, often arranged in symmetrical and monumental compositions. Buildings in this style tend to be grand and imposing, reflecting ideals of civic virtue and republicanism.

In painting and sculpture, Neoclassicism emphasized strong lines, clear forms, and a subdued palette. Subjects were often drawn from classical mythology, history, or literature, conveying moral lessons and heroic narratives. Artists sought to emulate the perceived perfection and idealized beauty of ancient statuary. Key figures associated with Neoclassicism include architects like Andrea Palladio (whose earlier work heavily influenced the movement), Jacques-Germain Soufflot, and Robert Adam, and painters such as Jacques-Louis David and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. The movement had a significant impact across Europe and the Americas, influencing public buildings, interiors, and decorative arts, and its principles continued to be influential well into the 19th century.