The nature of the classic is determined by a concentration of the parts around a fixed centre; classic objects possess an air of composure, which does not offer so many points of attack, as it were, from which modification, disturbance, destruction of the equilibrium might emanate.

DEFINE: Defines 'classic' as concentrated equilibrium, an aesthetic/morphological definition rather than a chronological one.

DEFINE: Defines what constitutes the 'classic' in art through spatial composition around a fixed center achieving composure.

Georg Simmel, on individuality and social…, loc. 745