It started as early as the 8th century at the court of Charlemagne, and spread with the advent of the Renaissance (c. 1400 - c. 1600). Ever since then the harmonious proportions, symmetry, and characteristic ornamentation of the classical era have been ubiquitous in Western art and architecture. The term Classicism refers to the 1650-1720 period, when the style was very popular throughout Europe. Many artists and intellectuals of the time regarded classical style as the defining standard for visual arts, architecture and literature.
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