Why are gestures and emotions often restrained in Neoclassical sculpture?

In Neoclassical sculpture, gestures and emotions are typically restrained to prioritize qualities such as calm grandeur, spiritual nobility, and beauty. This aesthetic approach was heavily influenced by the writings of the German art historian Johann Joachim Winckelmann, who advocated for a "noble simplicity and quiet grandeur" inspired by his study of ancient Greek art.1234

This restraint served several purposes:

• Idealism over Transience: Artists sought to depict universal and archetypal significance by stripping away individualistic or transitory aspects of human emotion.3
• Reaction against Baroque and Rococo: Neoclassicism emerged as a reaction against the perceived "fury" and exuberance of the Baroque style and the "frivolous" nature of the Rococo, which were viewed as untruthful or excessive.315
• Logical Consistency: Theorists and artists argued that strong, forceful activity in monumental, freestanding sculpture was illogical and gratingly theatrical, as they believed marble should not appear to "writhe or fly".12

Consequently, even in scenes of tragedy or gaiety, Neoclassical works maintain a sense of antique calmness, avoiding overt displays of rage or exuberance.12