NEOCLASSICISM, ROMANTICISM, REALISM PREPARED BY : “ GROUP 5”
NEOCLASSICISM ART 01
NEOCLASSICISM Taught at the academies. Constant reference to Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Renaissance. Very naturalistic. Linear/atmospheric perspective, shading. Humanism. Propaganda since the American and French Revolutions begin. And Napoleon’s rise to power. Returns humanistic ideals that new political systems need, providing stability since these are ancient concepts/aesthetics. Reinstatement of the ancient world of Greece and Rome and the Renaissance, combined with the Baroque and Rococo.
Mimicking Classical Aesthetics Neoclassical artists meticulously studied classical sculptures, architecture, and literature to capture the essence of ancient art. This included a focus on geometric forms, symmetry, and a strict adherence to classical proportions. Idealization of the Human Form: The human figure was a central subject, presented with idealized proportions and an emphasis on grace and beauty. This idealization aimed to evoke a sense of timeless perfection. CHARACTERISTIC OF NEOCLASSICAL ART
Historical and Moral Themes: Neoclassical works often depicted historical or mythological events, as well as scenes from literature. These narratives were carefully chosen to convey moral lessons and virtues, aligning with the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and education. Emotional Restraint: Unlike the dramatic emotionalism of the Baroque and Rococo periods, Neoclassical art favored emotional restraint. Figures displayed stoicism and composure, reflecting a belief in reason over unchecked emotion. Architectural Neoclassicism: Beyond visual arts, Neoclassicism greatly influenced architecture. Neoclassical buildings featured classical elements like columns, pediments, and symmetry. Examples include the works of architects such as Étienne-Louis Boullée and Claude-Nicolas Ledoux. CHARACTERISTIC OF NEOCLASSICAL ART
Jaques -Louis David, The Death of Marat , 1793
Jaques -Louis David, Coronation of Napoleon, 1805-1808
Antonine-Jean Gros, Napoleon (Visiting the Plague-Stricken) in Jaffa, 1804
Ingres, 1806, Napoleon on his Imperial Throne
ROMANTICISM ART 02
“” Romanticisim Embodies a broad range of disciplines, from painting to music to literature. The ideals in present in each of these art forms reject order, harmony, and rationality which were embraced both classical art and neoclassicism. Romanticism in art was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in the late 18th century and peaked in the first half of the 19th century. It emerged as a response to the rationality and order of Neoclassicism and the Industrial Revolution
CHARACTERISTICS OF ROMANTICISM ART 1. Emotion and Expression: Romantic artists sought to evoke strong emotional responses, often Emphasizing intense feelings, passion, and individual expression. Emotion was prioritized over reason. 2. Nature and the Sublime: Romanticism celebrated nature as a source of inspiration and depicted it as both beautiful and awe-inspiring. The concept of the sublime, representing nature's overwhelming power, played a significant role in Romantic art.
3. Individualism and Imagination: Romantic artists focused on the individual, exploring personal experiences, imagination, and the inner self. They often depicted heroic and isolated figures, emphasizing the unique qualities of each person. 4. Exoticism and Mysticism: Romantic art often incorporated exotic and mysterious elements. Artists were drawn to the unfamiliar, exploring themes of the supernatural, the mystical, and the sublime. 5. Critique of Industrialization: Romanticism was critical of the negative impacts of the Industrial Revolution. Some artists depicted the harsh realities of industrialization, while others sought refuge in the idealized, unspoiled aspects of nature.
6. Nationalism and Folklore: Romantic artists celebrated national identity and traditions, often drawing inspiration from local folklore, myths, and historical events. This emphasis on national character was evident in both visual arts and literature. 7. Social Critique: Some Romantic artists used their works to critique social and political issues of their time, including poverty, inequality, and the consequences of industrialization. Francisco Goya's "The Third of May 1808" is a powerful example, depicting the brutality of war and the fight for freedom. 8. Dynamic Composition: Romantic art embraced dynamic and expressive compositions, often featuring diagonals, swirling forms, and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. This contributed to a sense of movement and emotional intensity in the works.
Francisco Goya, Blind Man’s Buff, 1788
Francisco Goya, Saturn Devouring One of His Children, 1819-1823
Théodore Géricault, The Raft of the Medusa, 1818-1819
Eugéne Delacroix, Liberty Leading the People, 1830
REALISM OF ART 03
REALISM ●Develops in the 1840s-1850s as a result of the Agricultural + Industrial Revolutions. They’re both very important in modern history that happened at the end of the 18th - beginning of the 19th centuries as a result of the Enlightenment. ● Agricultural Revolution starts first, then the Industrial Revolution
1. Truthful Representation: Realism aimed for accurate and honest depictions of the visible world. Artists focused on portraying ordinary people, scenes from everyday life, and contemporary social issues with meticulous attention to detail. 2. Observational Accuracy: Realist artists often employed careful observation and precise rendering of details to create a lifelike representation of their subjects. This approach was a departure from the idealized forms of previous artistic movements. CHARACTERISTICS OF REALISM ART
3. Social Commentary: Realism frequently served as a tool for social commentary. Artists addressed issues such as poverty, urbanization, and the struggles of the working class, providing a direct and unfiltered view of societal realities. 4. Natural Light and Color: Realist paintings often utilized natural light and a subdued color palette to enhance the sense of realism. The focus was on capturing the effects of light on surfaces and creating a convincing illusion of three-dimensional space.
J.M.W. Turner, Rain, Steam, and Speed -- The Great Western Railway, 1844
Louis-Jacques- Mandé Daguerre, Still Life in Studio, 1837
Nadar, Eugéne Delacroix, 1855
Julia Margaret Cameron, Ophelia, Study No. 2, 1867