18th Century Neoclassicism Overview

18th Century Neoclassicism Overview

• The 18th century marked significant cultural shifts, including the Enlightenment and the French Revolution in 1789, establishing Paris as the art capital and with Napoleon emerging as a key figure.

Rococo and Neoclassicism Dates

• Rococo: 1715-1785, characterized by ornate designs and lightness.
• Neoclassicism: 1760-1820, emphasizing classical inspiration and moral subjects.

Notable Artists

• Key figures in Neoclassicism include Jacques-Louis David, Antonio Canova, and Thomas Jefferson.

Characteristics of Neoclassicism

• Focused on classical subjects to convey moral lessons.
• Emerged as a reaction to the frivolity of Rococo.
• Influenced by Enlightenment ideals of reason, knowledge, and a revival of Greco-Roman culture.
• Emphasized geometric harmony, rationality, and political relevance amid social upheaval.

Johann Joachim Winckelmann

• A scholar who idealized Greek art, advocating for its integration into modern artistry as a standard of perfection.

Influence of Classical Greek Culture

• Represented notions of liberty, morality, and sacrifice, resonating with pre-revolutionary sentiments.

Jacques-Louis David

• Noted for ethical beauty and neoclassical ideologies.
• Sought to inspire patriotism and heroic themes in art.
• Utilized ancient and Renaissance models for inspiration.

David's Key Works

• Oath of Horatii (1784):

  • Depicted figures resembling classical statues; acted as revolutionary propaganda despite royal patronage.
  • The work showcased themes of honor and self-sacrifice against a symmetrical backdrop.

• The Death of Marat (1793):

  • Employed orthogonal construction to convey a sense of timelessness.
  • Used dark backgrounds to symbolize death while immortalizing Marat through his heroic portrayal.

Jean-Paul Marat

• A radical journalist and politician during the French Revolution.
• Known for his aggressive tactics against the elite and reforms for the impoverished.
• Assassinated by Charlotte Corday, which David transformed into a historical propaganda piece.

Antonio Canova

• Represented ideals of aesthetic beauty, striving for perfection unattainable in nature through classical art knowledge.
• A prominent figure in neoclassical sculpture, known for his early works in Venice and later influences from Bernini.

Canova's Notable Work

• Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss (1787):
  • Represents the essence of ideal beauty through classical themes; specific details to be referenced from additional material.

Transition Between Artistic Movements

• The evolution from Neoclassicism to Romanticism and then to Realism illustrates a shift from rational thought to emotional expression and finally to observance of reality.

Ingres and Artistic Innovation

• Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres blended Neoclassicism with Romanticism, reinterpreting female nudity as a symbol of ideal beauty.
• His work La Grande Odalisque (1814) invoked criticism due to elongated proportions and lack of anatomical adherence, showcasing a departure from David’s ideologically driven nudes.