Neoclassicism
1760–1830Return to classical order after Rococo excess. Line over color, duty over passion — until revolution broke the mold.
Smooth, invisible brushwork. Dark backgrounds, sculptural lighting. Precise drawing over coloristic effects.
2 artists12 colors
Jacques-Louis David
1748–1825French
Painter of revolution and empire. The Oath of the Horatii, The Death of Marat — art as political weapon.
Smooth, hard-edged technique. Restrained palette dominated by reds, whites, and dark browns. Sculptural lighting.
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
1780–1867French
Supreme draftsman. Flesh like porcelain, line as pure as mathematics. The Grande Odalisque distorts anatomy for beauty.
Invisible brushwork — surface smooth as enamel. Cool, controlled palette. Line absolutely dominant over color.