Classical and Neoclassical Art

The Classical and Neo-Classical Art Periods The Classical art period began around 5th century BC in ancient Greece and carried over into Romans times until around 4th century BC. The main theme associated with the Classical period is how human forms were rendered. Artists attempted to express a more natural rendition of the human body. Observation of the mechanics of anatomy was shown in sculptures and paintings. For instance, the way a person stands with weight shifted on one leg or the manner one holds their shoulders were portrayed in works of the time. Faces were filled with emotion to further express like-like sculptures. The statue Dresden Zeus is a great example showing a human in its natural form (“Art of Classical Greece”, 2013) .
In architecture the focus was on symmetry and balance. Large columns were used extensively in buildings. The architecture of the time is split between three orders. The Ionic columns have a large base and lines, or flutes, running up to the top. At the top sits a capital with the use of volutes, which are spiral ornaments. The Temple of Athena Nike is an example of Ionic architecture. Doric, the second order, is characterized by not having a base and also has fluted shafts. The capital was smooth and round with a square block connecting it to the building. Doric columns can be seen in the Parthenon (“The Classical Period”, 2013). Doric columns made somewhat of a comeback in in the 19th century and can be seen in the Northington Grange in England among other architecture. The last order is the Corinthian architecture, which is the most complex of the three. Like the Ionic, columns had large bases and fluted shafts. What sets the Corinthian apart is the very ornate capital. The capitals were decorated with leaves, flowers and scrolls. The Colosseum was designed with Corinthian columns.
Neo-Classical art flourished from the