Neoclassicism art behan in the mid 17th century till 19th century. Neoclassicism was the artistic component of the intellectual movement known as the Enlightenment, which was similarly idealistic. In painting it generally took the form of an emphasis on austere linear design in the depiction of classical themes and subject matter, using archaeologically correct settings and costumes. It was given great impetus by new archaeological discoveries, particularly the exploration and excavation of the buried Roman cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii.