Classicism Artistic Movement
What is classicism? It seems a simple question, but it actually isn’t as straightforward as it might first appear. For starters, it has been used to describe various aspects of artistic production in several different disciplines, and in many different time periods.
Classicism itself came about as an outgrowth of the great artistic movements of the ancient world. In art, music, literature, and architecture, classicism can be found in a wide variety of different styles.
The word classic, by definition, refers to quality and quantity. Quality, in this context, refers to how well an item or style has survived the passage of time. Quantity, on the other hand, refers to the number of variations that a style or object has.
Thus, classic items tend to be very varied in their layout, appearance, and overall content. Classicism, by implication, describes an aesthetic approach that places great importance on quality and quantity, and thus tends to value classic items on their degree of survival and uniqueness.
So, what is classic in this context? Classical art, as an aesthetic philosophy and practice, can be considered classic according to the standards that have been used to classify artistic achievement over the course history of mankind.
According to these criteria, a classic style is one in which significant variation is observed in a single or a number of mediums. It is also classic if the mediums in which it is formed do not deviate significantly from the style’s norms, despite occasional stylistic innovations.
Classicism was a significant aesthetic movement in the late nineteenth century, and it has been a source of discussion and controversy ever since its inception. Early classical aesthetics focused on a focus on form and structure, and this resulted in the evolution of art that was highly characterized by formal structures and rigid geometrical forms.
However, classicism was also driven by an appreciation of the human visual sense and a desire to create aesthetic stimulus that was both aesthetically pleasing and psychologically realistic. Classicists were particularly drawn to ancient Greek art, particularly the forms and styles associated with the classics.
They were especially impressed by the manner in which Greek art had evolved and developed throughout time, and they were impressed by the ways in which ancient Greek artists had built on the foundations of the older art of the classical period.
With the introduction of cinema and the mass media, classicism and novelty began to take on different meanings, and classicism began to refer more to traditional forms of art and entertainment rather than progressive, experimental forms of artistic expression.
This trend toward a narrow conception of what is classic began to weaken as the twentieth century progressed, but it never completely disappeared. Today, classicism continues to be associated with certain artistic currents, and classic movies and works of art to enjoy widespread appeal among a wide range of people.
Additionally, a classic film is likely to gain some popularity long before it receives any critical acclaim or awards. In fact, many critics regard popular movies as models for teaching what is classic.
Classicism can be considered to be a very broad movement in art that began in the late nineteenth century and moved into its twentieth century heyday. It has been called the American classic by most experts, and it can be said that this broader definition includes many architectural forms and styles, including the Classical, Romantic, Georgian, and Gothic periods.
Classicism can also be thought of as a type of national art, with the essential elements of classic architecture coming from cities throughout the United States and other countries. Classic buildings in this country have been constructed since the inception of the country, and they continue to be landmarks that are beloved by many people and hold great sentimental value for others.
Modernists criticized classicism on the grounds that the style had lost its purpose. Instead of relying on tradition to provide inspiration, they argued that classic films were overly dependent on the more recent and therefore outmoded forms of entertainment.
The New York Times even went so far as to say that classic films were “repressive” and had a distinctly conservative attitude. This group was considered to be the resistance against the New York School of Film. Still, the name classical still enjoys a great number of fans throughout the world today, and classic film are still often referred to when discussing the art form.
If you are wondering what is classic, one answer may be that which you personally feel to be such. You may be interested in a certain type of film, or feel strongly about a particular director, writer, or other element of the film industry.
In that case, you may want to make a note of that particular style, and look back through the past decades to determine which films you enjoy the most. This can help you find classic films that you may not have known about previously and can give you a great starting point for your own personal viewing and enjoying of this wonderfully entertaining genre. Whether you enjoy the classic story, the special effects, the acting, the music, or the overall theme, there is a classic movie out there for you to enjoy.