neoclassic
The architect designed a neoclassic building with grand columns and a triangular pediment.
Adjective: 1. Characteristic of a revival of an earlier classical style: Pertaining to or designating a renewed interest in and emulation of the principles, forms, and spirit of classical antiquity (particularly ancient Greek and Roman art, architecture, and literature), typically occurring in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The adjective neoclassic is used to describe works of art, architecture, literature, or music that consciously imitate or are inspired by the styles of classical antiquity. It often implies a reaction against the preceding ornate styles (like Baroque or Rococo) in favor of order, symmetry, simplicity, and grandeur associated with the ancient world. It is a formal term commonly used in academic, artistic, and historical discussions.
- The building's neoclassic facade features Doric columns and a triangular pediment, directly referencing ancient Greek temples.
- The poet's neoclassic verses adhered strictly to the metrical forms and themes of Augustan Rome.
- This neoclassic sculpture emphasizes idealized human forms and calm expressions, rejecting the emotional intensity of the Baroque period.
- The museum's new wing is a neoclassic structure, contrasting sharply with the original Gothic building.
- Neoclassic Revival: A specific period or movement characterized by this revival.
- The Neoclassic Revival of the late 18th century was heavily influenced by archaeological discoveries at Pompeii.
- Used attributively to modify nouns denoting artistic disciplines or periods.
- neoclassic painting, neoclassic aesthetics, the neoclassic era
- Neoclassical (adj): This is a more common variant with the same meaning. "Neoclassical" is often preferred in general usage.
- Neoclassical architecture dominated the design of many government buildings in Washington, D.C.
- Neoclassicism (n): The movement or style itself.
- Neoclassicism in music is exemplified by the works of Igor Stravinsky.
- Neoclassicist (n): A practitioner or adherent of neoclassicism.
- Classical Revival
- Augustan (specifically in reference to literature)
- Palladian (specifically in architecture, after Andrea Palladio)
- Baroque
- Rococo
- Romantic (in the context of art movements)
- Modernist
While neoclassic and neoclassical are largely interchangeable, neoclassical is the far more frequent term in modern English across all contexts (art history, economics, etc.). Using neoclassic can sometimes sound slightly more technical or specific to certain academic fields. The core meaning remains the revival and adaptation of classical models.
The architect designed a neoclassic building with grand columns and a triangular pediment.
- characteristic of a revival of an earlier classical style