Marked by the Renaissance and Baroque, this era revived classical ideals while celebrating humanism, proportion, realism, and dramatic expression.

Neoclassicism

c. 1750–1850

Neoclassicism revived the art of ancient Greece and Rome. It emphasized clarity, order, and moral seriousness. Artists rejected decorative excess. The movement aligned with Enlightenment values.

The Rotunda

Thomas Jefferson

1822–1826

The domed centerpiece of the University of Virginia, inspired by the Roman Pantheon.

St Isaac's Cathedral

Auguste de Montferrand

1818–1858

A massive domed church in St Petersburg, decorated with granite columns and golden interiors.

La Grande Odalisque

Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres

1814

A sensuous portrait of a reclining woman, with elongated proportions and exotic setting.

Empress Josephine's Bedroom

Charles Percier and Pierre Fontaine

1800–1802

A richly decorated Neoclassical interior in Malmaison Palace, reflecting imperial taste.

Napoleon I on the Imperial Throne

Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres

1806

A formal portrait of Napoleon dressed in coronation robes, echoing medieval and Byzantine imagery.

The Death of Socrates

Jacques Louis David

1787

A Neoclassical painting of Socrates calmly facing execution, symbolizing virtue and reason.

The Oath of the Horatii

Jacques Louis David

1784

A powerful painting of Roman brothers swearing loyalty, embodying patriotic duty and sacrifice.

Old College, University of Edinburgh

Robert Adam

1789–1791

A Neoclassical building with balanced proportions, designed for Scotland’s leading university.

Petit Trianon

Ange-Jacques Gabriel

1762–1768

A refined palace at Versailles built for Louis XV, later used by Marie Antoinette.

Panthéon

J-G Soufflot, J-B Rondelet

1758–1790

A monumental Parisian church turned mausoleum, blending classical form with modern engineering.