What architectural style is characterized by simplicity and straight lines, prevalent in the 18th century?

The Neoclassical style is characterized by its emphasis on simplicity, straight lines, and an adherence to classical forms derived from ancient Greece and Rome. This architectural movement emerged in the mid-18th century as a reaction against the ornate details and dramatic forms of the Baroque style that preceded it. Neoclassical buildings often display a sense of grandeur through their use of symmetry and proportion, with columns and pediments becoming signature features. The movement sought to convey ideals of clarity, rationality, and civic virtue, reflecting the Enlightenment’s focus on reason and order.

In contrast, Baroque architecture is known for its extravagance and elaborate details, which contrasts sharply with the elemental approach of Neoclassicism. Gothic architecture, which flourished much earlier, is marked by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, showcasing a very different aesthetic focus. Romanticism, while influential in art and literature during the same period as Neoclassicism, does not refer specifically to a distinct architectural style that embodies the simplicity and straight lines attribute. Thus, Neoclassical architecture distinctly embodies the characteristics mentioned in the question.