Art Movements: Neoclassicism and Romanticism

Neoclassicism

• Reaction against the exuberance of Baroque and Rococo styles.
• Emphasized reason and logic, reflective of the "Age of Reason" movement in the 18th century.
• Draws inspiration from Greek and Roman art, particularly ancient statues.
• Characterized by muted colors, short and smooth brush strokes, and ancient architectural elements.
• Important artist: Francisco Goya, a Spanish romantic painter known for his influential works in late 18th and early 19th centuries.
• Notable Neoclassical works by Goya include "The Family of Charles IV" and "The Third of May."
• The emphasis on Greek and Roman mythology served as a primary source for subject matter.
• Prioritized the depiction of heroic male nudes in art.
• Employed somewhat dramatic lighting techniques to enhance the visual impact.

Romanticism

• Dominated the artistic landscape of the 1800s, emerging as a response to Enlightenment ideals and Neoclassicism.
• Reacted against science and reason, seeking to express emotion and individuality.
• Looked back to the Middle Ages for inspiration, embracing themes of mysticism and folklore.
• Focused on emotions, intuition, nature (often portraying it as mysterious), nationalism, religion, and the unique individual experience.
• Emphasized nature's beauty, majesty, and unpredictability, often incorporating spiritual or religious themes.
• Key figure: Caspar David Friedrich, a pivotal German Romantic landscape painter of the 19th century.
• Noteworthy works include “The Cross in the Mountains” and “Wanderer Above a Sea of Fog."
• Romantic art centered around the exploration of emotions, feelings, and moods, including spirituality and imagination.
• Subject matter was diverse, ranging from landscapes and religion to revolution and serene beauty.
• Characterized by looser and less precise brushwork compared to its Neoclassical predecessors.