David

One event you can’t leave out when talking about Neoclassicism is the French Revolution, which broke out in 1789. As the values of the aristocrats were being overturned, that sickeningly sweet art they adored—Rococo—was rejected along with them. And rising in its place was our Neoclassicism, a movement that valued intellect and tradition above all else.

David

In those days, painting historical subjects was the highest honor for an artist… for it demanded immense skill and knowledge. Difficult yet noble themes were rendered with cold, unwavering precision and perfected in every detail. That is the very essence of our Neoclassicism. In the pursuit of a perfect world, idle and careless art has no place. Come now—let us restore glory with our own hands…

Ingres

When it comes to the greatest patron of Neoclassicism, it has to be Napoleon Bonaparte. After becoming emperor in the wake of the French Revolution, he actively used painting to project his authority and grandeur. Thanks to that, not only Master Jacques-Louis David, but we students benefited quite a lot from his support as well…Though, with Napoleon’s downfall, Neoclassicism gradually started losing momentum too. Honestly, I wish he’d managed to hold on a little longer.

Gerard

Kings and nobles acted so arrogant—it was enough to make anyone sick of them, right? And those Rococo paintings decorating the palaces looked so frivolous and empty-headed too. Just as people were beginning to feel that way, the ruins of Pompeii were excavated in Italy, sparking a huge boom in historical studies across France. That was one of the reasons Neoclassicism became so popular. You’d better remember that!