Classicism and Neoclassicism, in the arts, historical tradition and aesthetic attitudes were based on the art of Greece and Rome in antiquity. In the context of the tradition, Classicism refers either to the art produced in antiquity or to later art inspired by that of antiquity.

Neoclassicism always refers to the art produced later but inspired by antiquity. Thus the terms Classicism and Neoclassicism are often used interchangeably.

The words "classic" and "classical" are used in various (and often confusing) ways in the history and criticism of the arts. In its broadest sense, Classicism is used as the opposite of Romanticism, characterizing art in which adherence to recognized aesthetic ideals are accorded greater importance that individuality of expression.

The words often implies direct inspiration from antique art, but this is not a necessary part of the concept, and according to context, the word might be intended to convey little more than the idea of clarity of expression, or alternatively of conservatism.

In the context of Greek art, the term "classical" has a more precise meaning, referring to the period between the Archaic and Hellenistic periods, when Greek culture is thought to have attained its greatest splendor.

The three terms "classic", "classical", and "classicism" are often not used with discrimination or exactness. The conflation of historical term and value judgement reflect the idea (dominant for centuries) that the art of the Greeks and Romans set a standard for all future achievement.

To clear up (or perhaps add to) the confusion, the rather ungainly word "classicistic" has also entered the list, conveying the idea of dependance on ancient models but without any sense of qualitative judgement.