Classicism — from the Latin classicus — exemplary, the norm, order. A distinction is usually drawn between the classicism of the 17th century and that of the 18th — early 19th centuries, the latter often called Neoclassicism.
Grandeur, solemnity, restraint — these are the notions that characterize the Classicism style. This style of interior design and architecture arose as a distinctive alternative first to Baroque, and then to Rococo. The public had grown thoroughly weary of Rococo’s intricate and fanciful forms, ill-suited to monumental buildings, and by the mid-18th century the Classicism style had spread everywhere.
As its ideal of beauty and perfection, the Classicism style chose the works of the ancient masters. Classicism is marked by strict order and harmony, clarity and precision of form, and by the distinctly profound educational and didactic purpose of art. The east wing of the Louvre in Paris, the British Museum, the Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg — these and many other masterpieces of Classicism are known throughout the world.
What distinguishes Classicism in the interior? First of all, an abundance of paintings and murals on antique themes, reliefs styled after Ancient Egypt, as well as sculptures and vases of every size imitating the ancient Greek. The surrounding setting abounds in ornament: fantastical plants, arabesques, Etruscan motifs. The furniture — solid, costly, of dark wood, with gilt bronze mounts. Inlay and stucco work are widely used. The floor — parquet, with a handsome and expressive pattern. For the most part, either light or deep, calm, saturated colors are used.
Also, the Classicism style — is exclusively expensive materials and fabrics. Such pieces were made to last for centuries and were passed from generation to generation, serving their owners for many years. Rooms in this interior style are spacious and not overloaded with superfluous detail. Everything is proportionate, considered, imbued with its own grandeur and dignity. Regular geometric forms predominate, and the horizontal has a clear advantage over the vertical. A striking example of this style is the Russian noble estates of the 19th century, which laid the foundations of Russian Classicism.
In the first half of the 19th century the Classicism style is reborn as Empire. This was the age of the Napoleonic Wars, and the imitation of ancient Roman art acquired a truly total, universal scale. Furnishings, clothing — everything was done “after the motifs” of late ancient Roman culture. Military themes become extremely popular: armor, heraldic symbols, ancient Roman eagles, and so on.
In our time the Classicism style — is the choice of solid, respectable people of good taste. Its solemn luxury, worthy of royal palaces, appeals to many of our contemporaries. True values are not subject to the vagaries of fashion, and the Classicism style — is vivid proof of that.
