classicism
classicism — noun
1. an artistic approach in which painters, sculptors, architects, and writers take
an artistic approach in which painters, sculptors, architects, and writers take their standards from the art of Greek and Roman antiquity, valuing order, balance, and simplicity over emotion or decoration
In art history class, Nora studied how classicism shaped the architecture of museums across Europe.
classicism as a historical movement in architecture
The painter's later works show a turn toward classicism, with balanced figures and simple backgrounds.
Government buildings from the 1800s followed classicism, with columns and triangular roofs from Greek temples.
Wei's essay compared classicism in French painting with the emotional style of the Romantic era.
During the 1700s, classicism became the preferred style for European palaces and public squares.
- neoclassicism
refers specifically to the 18th-19th century revival of classical forms, not the original ancient styles or all periods of classicism
- classical style
broader term that can describe any art or design following ancient models; less of a named movement than 'classicism'
- Hellenism
narrower focus on Greek rather than both Greek and Roman influences
- romanticism
the 18th-19th century movement that prioritised emotion, individualism, and wild nature over the order and restraint of classicism
- baroque
a highly ornamental and dramatic style that contrasts with classicism's simplicity and balance
文法句型
classicism in [place/period]
classicism of [artist/work]
用法筆記
Uncountable noun. Often used with a definite article or modifier to specify a national or period variant, e.g. 'French classicism' or 'eighteenth-century classicism'. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense refers specifically to the historical tradition rooted in ancient Greece and Rome, not just a general quality of simplicity.
常見錯誤
2. a quality of simplicity, balance, and control in a design, work of art, or piece
a quality of simplicity, balance, and control in a design, work of art, or piece of writing, where nothing is excessive or unnecessary
The designer chose classicism over decoration, creating a room with clean lines and simple colours.
classicism as a design choice (vs. decoration)
Beatriz admired the classicism of the Japanese tea house, where nothing felt unnecessary.
The furniture's appeal comes from its classicism — straight legs, plain surfaces, and no extra details.
In his later films, the director moved toward classicism, with quiet restraint and clear storytelling.
- simplicity
more general term; lacks the implication of intentional aesthetic control that 'classicism' carries
- restraint
emphasises the avoidance of excess rather than the positive quality of balance
- elegance
overlaps in meaning but also implies grace and refinement beyond mere simplicity
- purity of form
a more descriptive phrase rather than a direct synonym; highlights the structural aspect
- ornateness
the use of heavy decoration, the opposite of classicism's clean simplicity
- extravagance
excess and showiness contrast with classicism's balanced control
文法句型
classicism of [something]
用法筆記
Uncountable noun. This abstract sense describes a quality that can appear in any culture or period — it does not require a connection to ancient Greece or Rome. Unlike sense 1, it is not a named historical movement and is typically modified with a possessive or of-phrase (e.g. 'the classicism of her design').