Classicism in eighteenth-century music, architecture, and art

¶ … Classicism manifested itself in the 18th century. There are five references used for this paper.

There have been a number of cultural styles over the last centuries from Baroque to Classicism to Romanticism. It is interesting to look at Classicism and determine how it manifested itself in the 18th century.

Classicism

In order to determine the 18th century's manifestation of Classicism, it is important to understand what the term means. Classicism, or Neo-Classicism is used to "characterize the culture of 18th-century Europe, and contrasted with 19th-century Romanticism (unknown, Classicism)." In "art, music, and literature, it is a style that emphasizes the qualities traditionally considered characteristic of ancient Greek and Roman art, that is, reason, balance, objectivity, restraint, and strict adherence to form (unknown, Classicism)."

Architecture

Architecture was also influenced by Classicism, which followed the Baroque and Rococo styles of the period. In the early 17th-century Inigo Jones created the Queen's House, which was then changed by John James during the 18th-century as the architectural styles progressed (Worsley, 24)

Classicism was evident in French architecture with the "severe works of Boullee and Ledoux (unknown, French architecture)," while the revolution of 1789 inspired PA Vignon's Madeleine, Paris.

Art

In 18th-century France soft porcelain and hard-paste porcelain was available to engravers such as JD Ridinger, who produced black and white engraved porcelain bowls and saucers. Porcelain dessert services became popular in Vienna and were used in noble houses.

During the Classicism period, porcelain with color applied by Meissen painters became fashionable among the Europeans and the Wedgwood factory was commissioned to create services for Catherine the Great of Russia.

A great designer of "Meissen porcelain commedia dell 'arte figures in characteristic theatrical poses (unknown, 50)" was Kaendler.

Conclusion

Classicism affected the 18th-century in everything "from couture to furniture, prints, paintings and porcelain (unknown, 50)." By looking at its manifestation during this time, it is possible to understand the influence and progression of the art, music and architecture of the period.