classicism

clas·si·cism  (kls-szm) also clas·si·cal·ism (-k-lzm)

n.

1. Aesthetic attitudes and principles manifested in the art, architecture, and literature of ancient Greece and Rome and characterized by emphasis on form, simplicity, proportion, and restraint.

2. Adherence to the aesthetic values embodied in ancient Greek and Roman art and literature.

3. Classical scholarship.

4. A Greek or Latin expression or idiom.

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classicism

Noun

1. an artistic style based on Greek and Roman models, showing emotional restraint and regularity of form

2. knowledge of the culture of ancient Greece and Rome

classicist n

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classicism

1. formerly, an imitation of Greek and Roman art.
2. currently, a dedication to the principles of that art: clarity of execution, balance, adherence to recognized standards of form, and conscious craftsmanship. — classicist, n. — classicistic, adj.

See also: Art

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1. the employment of compositional formulas and decorative techniques based upon the architecture of ancient Greece or Rome, but often including new ideas.
2. the employment of formulas and decorative techniques with an emphasis upon the subordination of utility in order to stress perfection of form.

See also: Architecture

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a literary style characterized by formal adherence to traditions of structure, content, and genre. — classicist, n. — classicize, v.

See also: Literary Style

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the principles or style of classic art or literature. — classicist, n.

See also: Antiquity

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

classicism - a movement in literature and art during the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe that favored rationality and restraint and strict forms; "classicism often derived its models from the ancient Greeks and Romans" classicalism artistic style, idiom - the style of a particular artist or school or movement; "an imaginative orchestral idiom" arts, humanistic discipline, humanities, liberal arts - studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills); "the college of arts and sciences" Romantic Movement, Romanticism - a movement in literature and art during the late 18th and early 19th centuries that celebrated nature rather than civilization; "Romanticism valued imagination and emotion over rationality"