Dictionary
Neo-Classicism

The term Neo-Classicism refers to a late period of Historicism, in which there was a tendency towards the classical antiquity, taking place at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The classical era was chosen as a model because of its perfection, which is why notions of classicism can be observed. Therefore both architecture and painting and sculpting have neo-classicist tendencies.
In sculpting, Max Klinger (1857-1920) is the one to be mentioned, his concept of sculpting has been coined by the ancient multi-color sculpture: An impressive example thereof is the monumental figure of "Beethoven" (1886-1902), positioned on a base and made of several types of stone.
The one feature that all occurrences of neoclassicist architecture have in common is the fundamental orientation to ancient buildings, the strictly arranged body, the classical order of pillars, the portico and gables that were borrowed but sometimes occurred in modified form. Besides the classical antiquity, the classicist architecture by Karl Friedrich Schinkel was also received. Other Neo-classicist architects were, among others, Peter Behrens, Heinrich Tessenow and Adolf Loos.
The Neo-classicist style was also used for fascist construction projects in Italy and Germany, however, in a more monumental and enhanced manner. It found expression in works by Albert Speer or Paul Ludwig Troosts.
Neo-classicist notions can still be found in postmodernist architecture.