Neoclassicism
Definition
Neoclassicism was a revived interest in classical forms and ideas that saturated European and American intellectual thought, fine arts and politics during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Neoclassicism before revolution
The most prominent examples of neoclassicism before the revolutionary era existed in revolutionary France especially in arts and sciences. Neoclassicism was exemplified by paintings depicting large Greek and roman influence. It also reflected social, political and economic change through arts, science and literature at its peak in Europe. Although there were other large forms of art like the Rococo style of ornamental art, neoclassic art dominated the field and was by far the most well known.
Neoclassicism during the revolution
In the late 1700s and early 1800s, America was in search of a model for their new government, and turned to the Roman Republic and ancient Greece.
"Neoclassicism was a transatlantic phenomenon."
Americans had extremely close cultural and literary ties to London. Mass printing, affordable books and engraved drawings helped to stimulate interest and spread neoclassicism. Neoclassicism was at the core of humanistic learning, and revolutionary political thought. Throughout American Enlightenment neoclassicism became a more prominent part of society.
Paradise Lost
Paradise lost by John Milton is a theatrical retelling of the fall of man. It starts off with satan recovering from a feat in a battle against God. Satan sees a new universe and starts flying towards god's new creation. He tricks Uriel, an angel, into revealing the location of man. Satan arrives at the garden of Eden and takes the form of a serpent. He tempts Adam and Eve with the tree of knowledge and God expels them from Paradise. Satan builds a new highway to earth, his new home.
Source
"Oxford Art Online." Grove Art: Subject Guide in. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Dec. 2014.
"Revolution in France - Boundless Open Textbook." Boundless. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Dec. 2014.
"Neoclassical Art Movement." Identify This Art Your Guide through the Greatest Art Movements. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Dec. 2014.
"Paradise Lost: Short Summary." Paradise Lost: Short Summary. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Dec. 2014.
"Neoclassicism and America 1750-1900 - What Is Neoclassicism?" Neoclassicism and America 1750-1900 - What Is Neoclassicism? N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Dec. 2014.
Neoclassicism Is The Movement That Shaped The. Neoclassicism and America 1750-1900 (n.d.): n. pag. Web.
Picture
http://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/west_pavilion/
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-neoclassicism-and-romanticism.htm