Neoclassicism was an artistic and cultural movement that emerged in the mid-18th century, characterized by a return to the classical ideals of ancient Greece and Rome. It emphasized harmony, simplicity, and proportion, often drawing inspiration from classical literature, art, and architecture. This movement sought to revive the values of reason and order in response to the emotional excesses of Baroque and Rococo styles. Prominent figures in Neoclassicism include artists like Jacques-Louis David and writers such as Alexander Pope, who aimed to reflect the moral and civic virtues of classical antiquity in their works.