The word "classicism" in Latin means exemplary. This is an artistic direction in the art of the 17-18 centuries. The model for classicism was ancient art. The creators of this style believed that everything in the world is based on the ideas of reason and laws, logic and clarity, and embodied these principles in their works.
All types of art, according to the classicists, should be created in accordance with certain canons. Moreover, they were mostly interested in the eternal - that which remains unchanged. In everything they sought to see the main, essential, typical. In the aesthetics of classicism, art is given an educational function.
For classicism, not only the pattern itself is important, but also strict ordering. All genres were divided into high and low. Odes, tragedy, epic were considered high. Low are satire, fable and comedy. Mixing essential features of genres was not allowed. Heroes are strictly divided into positive and negative. The plots were chosen heroic, mainly from ancient art. Three principles were important: unity of place, unity of time and unity of action. The work should have one storyline, events should take place in one place and fit in time in one day. Thus, a clear, harmonious composition, certain themes, plots, types of heroes, clarity and simplicity of meaning - all these are components of the aesthetics of classicism. But often the images in classicism look frozen, as they are devoid of individual traits, it is, rather, the embodiment of a social trait.
In the era of classicism, architecture flourished. It was inherent in the layout, the clarity of lines and strict three-dimensional forms, symmetrical composition, restraint of decorative design. The architectural style of classicism is based on an antique order. Bright examples of the architecture of this style in Russia are considered to be the Senate Building and Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg.
The founder of classicism in painting is rightfully considered the French artist Nikola Poussin. His paintings on antique and biblical subjects are examples of classic art. Amazed by the beauty and grace, the clarity of the lines and the highness of the paintings by Francois Boucher.
Classicism flourished later than in Europe - in the 18th century, thanks to the transformations of Peter I. A special merit belongs to MV Lomonosov, it was he who carried out the reform of Russian versification, developed the "theory of three calm" (styles), adapting the French theory of three principles to Russian reality and art.
