Neoclassical architecture emerged in the mid-18th century as a revival of classical styles from ancient Greece and Rome. It was a reaction against the ornate Baroque and Rococo styles that dominated the previous era.
The Neoclassical movement began in Italy and quickly spread to France and England. It was heavily influenced by the excavations of ancient ruins at Pompeii and Herculaneum in the mid-18th century.
One of the key figures in the development of Neoclassical architecture was the French architect Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, who emphasized simplicity, symmetry, and order in his designs. Another influential designer was Robert Adam, a Scottish architect who blended classical motifs with contemporary innovation to create a unique style.
The Neoclassical movement reached its peak in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with some of the most iconic examples of the style being built during this time. These include the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, and the White House in Washington, D.C.
Over time, Neoclassical architecture evolved and took on new forms, including the Beaux-Arts style popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the present day, Neoclassical architecture continues to be studied and appreciated for its enduring beauty and timeless elegance.
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