Definition of classicism

The term "classicism" originated during the Renaissance as a way to describe the artistic and intellectual movement that drew inspiration from the culture of ancient Greece and Rome. This period, known as the Classical Era, was characterized by a focus on reason, rationality, and a reverence for the timeless ideals of beauty, harmony, and order. As the Renaissance progressed, a more refined and restrained style of art and architecture emerged that became known as Neoclassical. This style drew heavily from the classical canon, with a particular emphasis on precision, symmetry, and simplicity. Neoclassical works often depicted subjects from mythology and history, with a reverence for the ideals of courage, virtue, and heroism. Over time, the term "classicism" came to encompass more than just art and architecture. It also came to describe literary, philosophical, and scientific movements that were inspired by classical ideas and ideals. Classical scholarship, for example, emerged as a way to study and interpret the writings of the ancient Greeks and Romans in order to better understand their perspectives and insights. Today, the term "classicism" continues to be used in a variety of contexts, from the study of classical languages and literature to the design of modern buildings and products. And while its meaning has evolved over time, at its core, classicalism remains a celebration of the enduring values of reason, rationality, and beauty that have persisted through the ages.