Neoclassicism

From Unawiki

Neoclassicism is a western movement of decorative, visual arts, literature, theatre, music and architecture with inspiration of classical art and culture of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. After Independence American statesmen searched for an inspiration how the new nation could be defined through art. The unity and clearance in the precise forms of its architecture fitted the rationalism the founding fathers wanted to create. It also helped to constitute the United States as a superpower just like Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome were in their time. For instance, Roman’s principles of law, liberty and justice were converted into legislative, executive and judicial. In the end, the order, simplicity, clarity and reason of a free nation were meant to be reflected in society, because the monuments expressed such characteristics in themselves, too. It was also used in the American Renaissance Movement. Examples are the Lincoln Memorial, the National Gallery, Jefferson Memorial, the White House or the University of Virginia.