Meaning of Classicism (What it is, Concept and Definition)

Classicism was a movement of literary artistic renewal that emerged in Italy, in the 16th century,during the movementrenaissance, which had the meaning of the rebirth of the works of Classical Antiquity in Greece and Rome.

Renaissance artists and intellectuals considered the Greco-Roman Classical Antiquity as an example to be followed, but not limited to imitating it, they sought to create original works that represented the aspirations of their era.

The Renaissance began in Italy and spread to other countries in Europe. The abundant material remains of the ancient civilization existing throughout Italy served as a source of inspiration and encouragement for the artists of this movement. The Renaissance is considered the beginning of the modern era.

Characteristics of Classicism

The works produced in the period of Classicism favored the emergence of a new way of understanding the world. Based on the cultural heritage of Classical Antiquity, they presented the following characteristics:

1. Universalism sought a balance between feelings and reason, allowing a universal representation of reality to be achieved, ignoring what was purely occasional and private.
2. Rationalism sought to return to the idea that art was based on reason, which controlled the expression of emotions.
3. Alongside the biblical stories, which were enacted, the stories of Greek and Roman mythology came into fashion and started to be used as aesthetic motifs, being themes of paintings, sculptures, decoration of ceilings and walls etc.
4. Latin words were incorporated into the literary language that became richer and more subtle. The sonnet, created in the 13th century, became the most used poetic form. Some medieval literary compositions, such as the auto, are abandoned, preferring comedy and tragedy according to the Greek models.

Humanism

The humanist ideal was one of the basic ideas of the Renaissance and had as its starting point the notion that man was the most important creature in the universe. Their possibilities were endless, but they should constantly improve their body and spirit. The word humanist also designated scholars of ancient culture, who were especially dedicated to the study and translation of Greek and Latin texts.

See also what is Romanticism and read all about romanticism.