neoclassicism

[ nee-oh-klas-uh-siz-uh m ]
/ ˌni oʊˈklæs əˌsɪz əm /

noun

(often initial capital letter) Architecture. the trend or movement prevailing in the architecture of Europe, America, and various European colonies at various periods during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, characterized by the introduction and widespread use of Greek orders and decorative motifs, the subordination of detail to simple, strongly geometric overall compositions, the presence of light colors or shades, frequent shallowness of relief in ornamental treatment of façades, and the absence of textural effects.
(sometimes initial capital letter) the principles of the neoclassic style in art, literature, etc.
(sometimes initial capital letter) any of various movements based on neoclassic principles in the arts, literature, etc., of the late 17th to mid-19th centuries.

Origin of neoclassicism

First recorded in 1890–95; neo- + classicism

Example sentences from the Web for neoclassicism

British Dictionary definitions for neoclassicism

neoclassicism
/ (ˌniːəʊˈklæsɪˌsɪzəm) /

noun

a late 18th- and early 19th-century style in architecture, decorative art, and fine art, based on the imitation of surviving classical models and types
music a movement of the 1920s, involving Hindemith, Stravinsky, etc, that sought to avoid the emotionalism of late romantic music by reviving the use of counterpoint, forms such as the classical suite, and small instrumental ensembles

Derived forms of neoclassicism

neoclassicist, noun