Classicism: definition. Classicism in literature

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Classicism appeared in European art in the 17th century. It existed, constantly developing, until the 19th century. During this period, the direction went through several stages:

• Early classicism.
• Strict classicism.
• High Classicism (Empire).

The definition of classicism originally concerned architecture, but later also affected the spheres of literature, painting, sculpture and other areas of art. This style replaced the pompous and pretentious rococo, and the empire style, in turn, was replaced by eclecticism, even softer and more simplified.

Architecture

The definition of classicism in architecture is made primarily on the basis of such distinctive features of the design of buildings as the predominance of combinations of white with rich and bright colors, such as gold, pink, bright blue, green, emerald. Lines in classicism play an important role. They are strict, repeated in the ornament with a certain pace and regularity, facades and other elements are symmetrical, the pattern is generalized.

Shapes are clear, well-read, geometric. General impressionfrom buildings and elements - this is strength, stability, monumentality, geometricity.

Characteristics in architecture

Distinctive features and elements by which a building in this style can be recognized: bas-reliefs, medallions inscribed in a circle, without excessive complication, it is possible to install statues on the roof. In landscape design, as well as in the design of terraces, classical rotundas and colonnades are often found. The columns are large and uneven. The pilasters are uncomplicated and not overly decorated. This is generally a characteristic feature of the style - restrained and moderate decor. Often there are statues on buildings and near them, in gardens and in the interior. Ornaments are close in their motifs to antique ones. And this is logical, given that the style of classicism grew out of the characteristic trends of the Renaissance. High classicism (Empire), which was born in France during the reign of Napoleon I, is characterized by military motifs in decor, emblems, coats of arms and other symbols of power.

Most accurately under the definition of classicism fall many of the works of architects such as Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, Inigo Jones, Andrea Palladio. The most typical buildings: Villa Rotunda, Osterley Park, Customs Outpost, Fleming Library.

Design

The definition of classicism in design is made according to the characteristic features presented below. Basic colors: beige, white, gray. Lines are usually straight, many axes, floral ornaments. Geometric shapes: cubes, rectangles, parallelepipeds. Often there are porticos, columns,colonnades. The windows are rectangular, elongated upwards, narrow and high. The doors are also rectangular, narrow and high, in a massive portal, often gable. Characteristic elements are columns, sculptures, friezes, antique motifs, spiers, obelisks. Distinctive features - rigor, simplicity and sophistication in everything. Based on these characteristics, the style can already be defined.

Classicism in design is most fully represented in the works of the Scot Robert Adam, who, however, understood it in a rather peculiar way, for which he was repeatedly persecuted by his fellow contemporaries. But the aristocracy of that time enthusiastically accepted its interiors, which were practically not inferior in pomp and sophistication to Rococo. Adam unequivocally refused any elements that, while playing only an aesthetic role, did not carry any functional load.

Characteristic design elements

Interior furniture of this style is solid, durable and high-status, unequivocally speaking about the position of the owner in society, but not "screaming" about it. It was made from precious woods. At that time, they generally became fashionable in the interior. Mahogany with a bronze finish has become the most sought after. The emphasis on the texture of wood has also become popular, carved panels and inserts on various furniture elements and walls were often used. The decor was made with expensive, but rather simple elements. The lines became straighter, the forms simpler. The legs of the furniture were straight, the surfaces more even. Fabrics are also expensive: velvet, satin. Oftenthey are decorated with floral ornaments. Chandeliers and lamps that fit the definition of classicism, massive, but decorated with crystal pendants. The interior has a lot of porcelain, mirrors, crystal, glass.

World Literature

Francois de Malherbe was the first to apply the features of the classicism style in literature. The definition of the direction in this area can be given on the basis of the poetic canons developed by the famous Frenchman. During this period, such previously unpopular genres as fable, satire and comedy reached their heyday. The main motive in the dramatic works of that era was the conflict between the inner feelings and desires of a person and his public duty. Prose is characterized by romanization used in syntax.

In fact, classicism in literature became a reflection of all the ideas of the Enlightenment. Its definition can be given on the basis of the works of Voltaire. He created works in which the main value is a free person with his feelings and experiences. Religious themes recede into the background. Moreover, in some works she is even criticized.

The purpose of the literature of this style is to improve the world, change it for the better, reorganize and reorganize in accordance with the laws of classicism.

Russian Literature

Lomonosov brought classicism into Russian literature. He developed the theory of "three calms", which became an adaptation of Malherbe's rules. Works that fit the definition of classicism in Russian literature were created by Fonvizin,Kantemir, Derzhavin and Lomonosov himself.

Like European, Russian classicism developed under the influence of the ideas of the Enlightenment. Equality and social justice were put at the forefront. The human personality was devoid of specific and individual features, but was a set of permanent characteristics that personified any social or spiritual forces.

Painting

The most fully fitting classicist work in this area is Raphael's The School of Athens. It fully reveals all the properties of this concept in painting. At the heart of the current here is a scrupulous study and systematization of the works of Renaissance artists. Works were created on ancient themes: both real and everyday, and mythological.

The excavations of Pompeii helped artists to get acquainted with the authentic ancient art. This changed the definition of classicism in the visual arts, breathing a new breath into it. In many countries of the world, this phenomenon is called neoclassicism.