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Neoclassical portraits

Neoclassical painting emerged during the 18th century, an era when rationality and Enlightenment replaced the religious wars of the previous century. Originating in France, its influence soon spread around the globe. This style was more academic and history-oriented than the decorative Rococo style that emerged just before. Neoclassical portraits of the 18th century are characterized by clear forms, a stripped-back and somber color palette, classical subject matter, and shallow depth. 

Since the 18th century, neoclassicism has seen numerous revivals in the world of art. Following the Second World War, when many sought a “return to order," the timeless and classical values associated with the style were repopularized. Artists such as Pablo Picasso and André Derain, for example, displayed increased sobriety and other neoclassical elements in their artworks during this period. 

The legacy of neoclassical portraiture continues to inspire contemporary artists around the world in its clarity of form, austere and linear perspective, and classical themes. While some artists today show a clear continuation of neoclassical portraiture, others appropriate specific elements of the tradition to suit their practice. Join us at Artsper as we take a journey through some of the best contemporary portrait artists who take inspiration from the neoclassical style, from Éric Odartey to Thierry Carrier!

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Painting, Macba2, Katalin Soós

Katalin Soós

Painting - 190 x 130 x 3 cm Painting - 74.8 x 51.2 x 1.2 inch

$10,924

Painting, Oga madam, Eyitayo Alagbe

Eyitayo Alagbe

Painting - 152.4 x 121.9 x 2.5 cm Painting - 60 x 48 x 1 inch

$5,100

Painting, Tenacity, Eyitayo Alagbe

Eyitayo Alagbe

Painting - 121.9 x 121.9 x 2.5 cm Painting - 48 x 48 x 1 inch

$5,200

Painting, Retrospect, Eyitayo Alagbe

Eyitayo Alagbe

Painting - 121.9 x 91.4 x 2.5 cm Painting - 48 x 36 x 1 inch

$3,000

Painting, Macba1, Katalin Soós

Katalin Soós

Painting - 190 x 130 x 3 cm Painting - 74.8 x 51.2 x 1.2 inch

$10,924

Painting, Researchers, Katalin Soós

Katalin Soós

Painting - 100 x 160 x 3 cm Painting - 39.4 x 63 x 1.2 inch

$8,739

Painting, Emergency, Katalin Soós

Katalin Soós

Painting - 60 x 120 x 2 cm Painting - 23.6 x 47.2 x 0.8 inch

$8,011

Painting, Katsumi, Michelino Iorizzo

Michelino Iorizzo

Painting - 120 x 100 x 4 cm Painting - 47.2 x 39.4 x 1.6 inch

$11,166 $10,050

Painting, Mazel Tov 4, Katalin Soós

Katalin Soós

Painting - 20 x 30 x 3 cm Painting - 7.9 x 11.8 x 1.2 inch

$303

Painting, Mazel Tov 2, Katalin Soós

Katalin Soós

Painting - 66 x 55 x 3 cm Painting - 26 x 21.7 x 1.2 inch

$607

Painting, Code 2220, Thierry Carrier

Thierry Carrier

Painting - 89 x 130 x 3 cm Painting - 35 x 51.2 x 1.2 inch

$7,040

Painting, Code 2101, Thierry Carrier

Thierry Carrier

Painting - 130 x 89 x 3 cm Painting - 51.2 x 35 x 1.2 inch

$7,282

Fine Art Drawings, Kid, Ilia Balavadze

Kid

Ilia Balavadze

Fine Art Drawings - 56 x 38 x 0.1 cm Fine Art Drawings - 22 x 15 x 0 inch

$910

Fine Art Drawings, Free Boys 2, Ilia Balavadze

Ilia Balavadze

Fine Art Drawings - 85 x 100 x 0.1 cm Fine Art Drawings - 33.5 x 39.4 x 0 inch

$4,248

Fine Art Drawings, Free Boys, Ilia Balavadze

Ilia Balavadze

Fine Art Drawings - 85 x 100 x 0.1 cm Fine Art Drawings - 33.5 x 39.4 x 0 inch

$4,248 $3,398

Painting, Unflappable 3, Obeka Simon

Obeka Simon

Painting - 114.3 x 101.6 x 2.5 cm Painting - 45 x 40 x 1 inch

$2,800

Print, Lesi, Lantomo

Lantomo

Print - 42 x 29.7 cm Print - 16.5 x 11.7 inch

$206

Print, Square 3, Lantomo

Lantomo

Print - 29.7 x 21 cm Print - 11.7 x 8.3 inch

$134

Painting, Jedidiah, Agboola Oladapo

Agboola Oladapo

Painting - 59.9 x 38.1 x 2.5 cm Painting - 23.6 x 15 x 1 inch

$3,000