Classicism: Definition. Classicism in Literature

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

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

The definition of classicism originally concerned architecture, but later it affected the spheres of literature, painting, sculpture and other art trends. This style replaced the pompous and ornate rococo, and the Empire, in turn, was replaced by an eclectic, even more mild and simplistic.

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 vivid colors, for example, gold, pink, bright blue, green, emerald. Lines in classicism play an important role. They are strict, repeated in an ornament with a certain tempo and regularity, the facades and other elements are symmetrical, the figure is generalized.

The forms are clear, well-read, geometric. The general impression of structures and elements is strength, stability, monumentality, geometricity.

Characteristic features in architecture

Distinctive features and elements by which you can recognize the structure in this style: bas-reliefs, medallions inscribed in a circle, without excessive complication, it is possible to install statues on the roof. In the landscape design, as well as the design of terraces, there are often classic rotundas and colonnades. Columns are large, not smooth. Pilasters are not complicated and not too richly decorated. This is generally a characteristic feature of the style - a low-key and moderate decor. Often there are statues on buildings and near them, in gardens and in the interior. Ornaments are close in their reasons to the ancient. And this is logical, given that the classicism style has grown from the characteristic directions of the Renaissance. For the high classicism (empire), which was born in France during the reign of Napoleon I, warlike decor motifs, emblems, emblems and other symbols of power are characteristic.

Most precisely, the definition of classicism includes many works by such architects as Claude-Nicola Ledoux, Inigo Jones, Andrea Palladio. The most typical buildings are: Villa Rotonda, Osterley Park, Customs Outpost, Fleming Library.

Design

The definition of classicism in design is based on the characteristic features presented below. Main colors: beige, white, gray. Lines, as a rule, are straight, many axes, vegetable ornaments. Forms are geometric: cubes, rectangles, parallelepipeds. Often there are porticoes, columns, colonnades. The windows are rectangular, elongated upwards, narrow and high. Doors are also rectangular, narrow and high, in a massive portal, more often gable. Characteristic elements - columns, sculptures, friezes, antique motifs, spiers, obelisks. Distinctive features are strictness, simplicity and sophistication in everything. Based on these characteristics, you can already give a style definition.

Classicism in design is most fully represented in the works of Scotsman Robert Adam, who, however, understood him 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 almost inferior in pomposity and sophistication of rococo. Adam unequivocally refused any elements, which, playing only an aesthetic role, did not carry any functional load.

Characteristic design elements

Furniture of interiors of this style is solid, firm and status, unequivocally speaking about the position of the owner in society, but not "crying" about it. It was made of valuable wood. They at that time generally entered fashion in the interior. Mahogany with a bronze finish was the most in demand. Became popular and the emphasis on the texture of the tree, often used carved panels and inserts on various elements of furniture and walls. The decor was made with expensive elements, but simple enough. The lines became more straightforward, the forms simple. The furniture legs were straight, the surfaces were even. Fabrics are also expensive: velvet, satin. Often they are decorated with floral ornaments. Chandeliers and lamps, suitable for the definition of classicism, massive, but decorated with crystal pendants. In the interior there are a lot of porcelain, mirrors, crystal, glass.

World literature

Francois de Malherbe was the first to apply the classicism style in literature. The definition of direction in this area can be given on the basis of the poetic canons developed by the famous Frenchman. In this period of its heyday reached such unpopular earlier genres as fable, satire and comedy. 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. For prose is characteristic of romanization, used in syntax.

In fact, the reflection of all ideas of the Age of Enlightenment has become classicism in literature. The definition of it can be given on the basis of Voltaire's works. He created works whose main value is a free man with his feelings and experiences. Religious subjects 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 introduced classicism into Russian literature. He developed a theory of "three calm", which became the adaptation of Malerba's rules. The works that fit the definition of classicism in Russian literature were created by Fonvizin, Cantemir, Derzhavin and Lomonosov proper.

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

Painting

The most fully suited to the definition of classicism work in this area is the "School of Athens" by Raphael. It fully reveals all the properties of this concept in painting. At the heart of the current course is scrupulous study and systematization of works by artists of the Renaissance. Works were created on ancient themes: both real and everyday, and mythological.

Excavations of Pompeii helped artists to get acquainted with genuine antique art. This changed the definition of classicism in the visual arts, breathing new breath into it. In many countries of the world this phenomenon was called neoclassicism.