Neoclassicism v Romanticism by Curtis

Neoclassicism and Romanticism are two very different styles, in some instances mirror opposites. Neo-classicism is a strict serious style of art that emphasized proper proportion and realistic perspective. Meanwhile Romanticism was less strict and focused more on emotion and drama, and the depiction of reality was put on the back burner. So the difference really boils down to strictness and adherence to reality versus free expression and a devil may care attitude toward the conventions of perspective and proportion.

Neoclassicism emerged in the years leading to the French revolution, in France. As such the movement was inspired by patriotism and virtue. Some artists like, Jacques-Louis David, would use their works as a way of portraying how the people should fight for freedom against the tyrannical state. As the name would imply, the Neoclassicists were inspired by the myths, legends, and works of Greco-Roman classicism. This inspiration would inform the allegorical subject matter and techniques of the movement; techniques such as idealized figures and proportions and of course adherence to proper perspective.

A painting that contains the exemplary characteristics of neoclassical art is David’s Socrates at the Moment of Grasping the Hemlock, which of course depicts the execution of classical philosopher Socrates. The figures are painted with sharp defining lines and almost nonexistent brush stokes a staple of  neoclassical art. The background is fairly detailed but is painted with dark muted colors to put emphasis on the foreground. The allegorical political message behind David’s painting tells viewers to be brave Socrates and to face death without fear, for it is better to die for what you believe in than to live for nothing.

Romanticism is passionate, forgoing the allegories of the Neoclassics, the Romantics decided to make art that was emotional and depicted what was happening around them, but not strictly in the most realistic of ways. Romanticism drew its inspiration from the surreal, from expressions and emotions, as such artists were free not to restrict themselves to realism. Lines became soft, brush strokes became harsher, and symbolism became very important. Rather than portraying a static images, artists of prefer to paint an event as it is taking place rather than the before or after it.

The Executions of the Third of May 1808, by Goya exemplifies the idea of portraying events while they are taking place as it shows a firing squad execution in action. Furthermore Goya demonstrates the Romantic style with his use of rich colors, rough brushstrokes, and soft blurriness, unique to the Romantic style. Goya’s very dramatic scene shows how Romantic artists would be more expressive because of the new looser techniques used to create dynamic and dramatic compositions.

In conclusion, Romanticism prevailed over Neoclassicism.  The people were bored of the perfection that Neoclassicism had offered, it is flaws and imperfections that make things interesting after all.