Which event partially influenced the Neoclassical movement?

The Neoclassical movement was significantly influenced by the discovery of the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. These archaeological findings, which began in the mid-18th century, revealed well-preserved examples of ancient Roman art and architecture. Artists and thinkers of the time were inspired by the classical forms, themes, and aesthetics that these ruins represented. This revival of interest in the classical past fostered a desire to emulate the ideals of ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing themes of reason, order, and harmony in art. As the movement developed, it garnered a strong emphasis on subjects from ancient history, mythology, and moral themes, reflecting the values of Enlightenment thought.

The other options presented represent significant historical events but do not directly relate to the emergence of Neoclassicism in the same way. The French Revolution influenced art and culture, but more as a backdrop rather than a direct cause. The Industrial Revolution introduced new technologies and themes in art but did not inspire the return to classical styles that defined Neoclassicism. The forming of the European Union is a much more contemporary event that came long after the development of the Neoclassical movement. Thus, the discovery of classical ruins is a pivotal moment that directly stimulated the aesthetic and intellectual goals