Symmetry within Neoclassical Art

Neoclassical art is directly influenced by the enlightenment, a movement of inspiration for moral values that would inspire society to better themselves. These values were found in Ancient Greek and Roman cultures, with art that depicted the patriotism, sacrifice, courage, and bravery of different stories and characters. Along with moralistic values being represented, the overlying theme of Neoclassical art is realism and symmetry. Of these two themes, I chose Symmetry as my topic for this blog post.

Of many things that neoclassical art accomplished, some of the greatest achievements were accomplished through architecture. During this period, we found some of the most iconic locations erected in the honor of Greco-Roman culture. One of the most inspirations pieces, a location I have always wanted to go see, is the Pantheon in Paris, an architectural project that began in 1757 by the architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot as a church. It truly found its purpose during the French revolution after being separated from religious means to the memorial of great Frenchmen.

This picture shows the overwhelming symmetry that Neoclassical architecture remained faithful to. Overall, the architecture of this period was famous for pillars (columns) both interior and exterior, with gardens that surrounded the buildings, usually containing geometric patterns, buildings that have a flat and long façade with free-standing columns and flat roofs often with a centered dome.

As you can see the decorations are kept to a minimum to allow the eye to focus on the beauty within the design itself. This design was a strict example of Neoclassical return to the architecture of buildings based on the logical use of architectural elements.

Most neoclassical architecture will have high ceilings with ornate details within the interior of the building. All art within this building are scenes from French history, with sculptures that depict post-revolutionary patriots, artists are Puvis de Chavannes and Pierre-Jean David d’Angers. Both paintings and sculptures within the Pantheon are also from the classical era.

Painter Jacques-Louis David painted a neoclassical art piece in 1787 titled The Death of Socrates. Among things within this painting has been the focus of much controversy and debate over the years, specifically between philosophers. Classical art, specifically that of Neoclassical art, as stated above is heavily influenced by the enlightenment movement. The two contradicting themes behind this painting are whether Socrates accepted his death as the last official sacrifice for the movement of philosophy, or the courageous acceptance of death after having fought and successful accomplished so much within philosophy. Either way, the overlying theme would be that of sacrifice for his beliefs and wisdom within this world, a clear example of a moralistically valued painting with heavy influence of the enlightenment.

If you look closely, you can see there are exactly six individuals grieving Socrates during the acceptance of a cup that is filled with poison. Neoclassical art holds true to symmetry, just as much as architecture. Within this painting you will find an almost fading color contrast around the outer edges, allowing the most illuminated color to lie in the center directly on Socrates. Giving him an almost luminescent appearance, and clearly highlighting the focus within this painting. Clearing David wanted the viewers focus, both visual and emotional, to be on Socrates and his impending doom. Amongst the characters surrounding him are fellow students, philosophers, and Socrate’s wife; all with overlying characteristics and emotions of devastating grief for the man in the center.

Look at the definition of the muscular form within the individuals who are not fully clothed, remember neoclassical art is heavily influenced by Greco-Roman culture, of which the form of musculature of characters are very important. The lines and definition, as well as shadowing, all lean the viewer to a darker disposition while viewing this scene. Emotionally speaking, morally speaking, and artistically speaking this painting is a perfect example of the different elements and aspects of influence that Neoclassical art had developed from the Enlightenment. This painter was heavily influenced by the period of philosophy, even believed that artist should be philosophers themselves with no other guide other than reason.

The last example of symmetry within Neoclassical art is seen within the work of sculpting. Sculptures within this era of art hold its definition by symmetrical portrayal of life-sized to monumental pieces that maintain a serious and emotional subject matter. This sculpture is titled Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss (1787) by Antonio Canova, one of my favorite pieces within the Neoclassical era that holds true to its Greco-Roman influence in the form of these characters, as well as the backstory.

This piece is inspired by a Roman painting discovered within the Herculaneum, of which was one of the major turning points to neoclassicism. Although being known for its neoclassical elements, this piece is also famous for the mythological origins within its story. It is a depiction of the God Eros (better known as Cupid) and the lady Psyche, the story of which is a tale of curiosity that leads to tragedy and love. Psyche is tasked with recovering a flask by Cupid’s mother Venus, who strictly prohibits her from opening it. As stories of curiosity go, she opened the flask only to fall unconscious from the poison within. Eros finds her lying still and lifts her to see if she is still alive, to which he lifts her into his arms and she cradles his head as they gaze upon each other lovingly.

The symmetry within this piece is easy within the balance of position, the flowing material, as well as the embrace between the two characters. Symmetry was seen within Neoclassical sculptures as the balance of maintaining true to the physical form and life-like qualities, of which Canova successfully achieves within the individual details between these who forms. Look closely at the musculature, as well as the anatomical features of the two, each designed and sculpted to perfection.

References:

“Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss.” Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss by Antonio Canova, https://www.thehistoryofart.org/antonio-canova/psyche-revived-by-cupids-kiss/.

Kirti, Kamna. “Reading the Painting - 'the Death of Socrates'.” Medium, The Collector, 7 Feb. 2021, https://medium.com/the-collector/reading-the-death-of-socrates-4528d7ecd221#:~:text=The%20Death%20of%20Socrates,ruling%20authority%20during%20those%20times.

Artincontext. “Neoclassical Art - a Return to Symmetry in the Neoclassical Period  .” Artincontext.org, 14 Mar. 2022, https://artincontext.org/neoclassical-art/.

Design, World of Level. Neoclassical Architecture Style and Defining Characteristics, https://www.worldofleveldesign.com/categories/architecture/neoclassical/neoclassical_architecture.php.