Final answer:
The period known for its obsession with structural clarity is the Neoclassical Period, which is distinguished by clarity of form, sober colors, and the use of strong horizontal and vertical lines that give a timeless quality to its art and architecture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The period characterized by a near obsession with structural clarity is known as the Neoclassical Period. This era emphasized clarity of form, with artists adopting a style that relied on sober colors, shallow space, and a preference for strong horizontal and vertical lines to render subjects in a timeless fashion. Key distinctions of the Neoclassical style were its embrace of Classical subject matter or the classicizing of contemporary topics, setting it apart from the dynamically styled Baroque period that preceded it.
Similar principles of seeking structural clarity and balance in form can be found during the Classical Period in ancient Greek history (480/479-323 BCE), where artists produced work with naturalistic proportions and postures. This affinity for balanced and clear structures is not limited to the realm of arts but also permeated architectural trends during various periods. For instance, the Industrial Revolution spurred a movement in architecture that favored bold structural frames made from new materials like steel and plate glass, effectively supporting the motto of 'decoration is a crime' and paving the way for modern architecture.
Within modern architecture, the trend towards clean lines and efficient use of space meant that extravagance was often seen as unnecessary, and instead, the focus was on the integrity of the structure itself. This era of architectural development coincided with cultural shifts that favored more streamlined and less ornamental aesthetic approaches aligning with the overarching theme of structure and clarity.