What is horror vacui in art?

Horror vacui, which translates to "fear of empty space," is an artistic concept rooted in the idea that art should be filled with intricate details and densely packed elements to avoid unoccupied areas within the composition. This approach results in works that are richly adorned and visually stimulating, with minimal to no negative space. It is commonly associated with various artistic traditions, particularly in Renaissance and Baroque art, where artists would decorate surfaces with elaborate patterns and motifs to create a sense of abundance and complexity.

The emphasis on filling the entire surface area with objects, designs, and ornamental features exemplifies the horror vacui doctrine, reflecting a desire to engage the viewer completely and immerse them in a detailed visual experience. Therefore, the correct answer accurately represents this definition of horror vacui in art.

In contrast, the other choices depict concepts that are either too simplistic or focus on aspects not central to horror vacui; for instance, simplicity does not align with the dense, intricate approach associated with horror vacui, and themes centered around empty spaces directly conflict with the core idea of this concept.