18th Century Art Chapter 26
18th Century Art Periods Rococo – characterized by pastel colors, delicately curving forms, dainty figures, and a light-hearted mood. Neoclassicism – arose in reaction to Rococo, with a resurgence of classical influence, served as important way to convey Enlightenment ideas. Romanticism – reaction against Enlightenment. Applauds imagination, emotions, individuality, and subjectivity.
Enlightenment “was a cultural movement of intellectuals in 18th-century Europe, that sought to mobilize the power of reason, in order to reform society and advance knowledge. It promoted science and intellectual interchange and opposed superstition, intolerance and abuses in church and state.”
Rococo Pastel colors Curving forms Dainty figures Lighthearted moods Began in French architectural decoration around 1715.
Rococo Painters Jean-Antoine Watteau François Boucher Jean-Siméon Chardin Jean-Honoré Fragonard
Jean-Antoine Watteau Epitomizes French Rococo style Pilgrimage to the Island of Cythera, 1717 Oil on canvas Verdant landscape Lavishly dressed couples with putti. Mythical island of love.
The Signboard of Gersaint, 1721. A sign for an art dealer’s shop The Signboard of Gersaint, 1721. A sign for an art dealer’s shop. Sold 15 days after installation, later cut in two. Re-united in 20th century. Depicts salon-style gallery, which were lavish settings for intimate and intellectual gatherings hosted by educated women of the upper class. Portrait of King Louis XIV is put in a case, possibly for passage of time. (died 1715)
François Boucher
Diana Resting after Her Bath, 1742, Oil on canvas Boucher most known for painting mythological scenes. Soft greens, blues, whites, and pinks of forestry and tapestry contrast against the golden aura of the nude figures.
The Governess, 1739, oil on canvas. Moral uplifting genre scenes Limited to still lifes and quiet domestic scenes Small scale, meticulous Subtle difference in texture and shape Jean-Siméon Chardin
“the graciousness, sweetness, and restraint that the governess maintains in her discipline of the young man about his dirtiness, disorder, and neglect; his attention, shame, and remorse; all are expressed with great simplicity.” -contemporary critic
Jean-Honoré Fragonard Studied in the studio first with Chardin, then with Boucher. Won the Prix de Rome (1752)- a scholarship awarded to top students from French Academy of Art.
The Meeting, 1771-73 Oil on canvas One of 14 commissioned paintings by Madame de Barry, one of Louis XV mistresses. Series depicts the vision of lovers, spontaneous and free Rapid brushwork, imaginative landscape, and elegant/aristocratic garb Madame du Barry rejected the paintings emerging neoclassical style.
The Swing 1767
Neoclassicism vs Romanticism
Neoclassicism Rome Anton Raphael Mengs Antonio Canova Cardinal Alessandro Albani – leading sponsor of neoclassical artwork. Built villa outside Rome to house all work.
Anton Raphael Mengs Parnassus, ceiling Fresco in Albani villa, 1761.
Antonio Canova Cupid and Psyche, 1787-93, marble Most sought after neoclassical sculptor in Rome. Specialized in: 1. Public monuments 2. Erotic Mythological scenes Cupid, Venus’s son, falls in love with Psyche, a mortal. Venus casts Psyche into a sleep from jealousy, Cupid awakens her with a kiss. Jupiter gives Psyche immortality.
Neoclassicism in Britain William Hogarth Joshua Reynolds Thomas Gainsborough Angelica Kauffman
William Hogarth The Marriage Contract oil on canvas Art should improve society Combined style of Dutch Genre painting and Rococo style. Young couple to be married sit on left, unloving. Lawyer attempts to woo wife Father’s arrange marriage for monetary benefit. Despised “portraiture” – thought was vain
Joshua Reynolds Lady Sarah Bunbury Sacrificing to the Graces 1765, oil on canvas Classical tradition/influence = GRAND MANNER PORTAITURE Contrapposto
Thomas Gainborough Portrait of Mrs. Richard Brinsley Sheridan Oil on canvas, 1785-87 Professional singer Tree frames head, feathered brushwork, Rococo palette Echoes new Enlightenment idea: emphasis on nature being source of goodness and beauty.
Angelica Kauffman Cornelia Pointing to Her Children as Her Treasures 1785, oil on canvas “history painting” One of two women artists named in founding the Royal Academy “good mother” popular 18th century theme
Neoclassicism in France Jacques Louis David
Jacques-Louis David Leading French Neoclassical painting Won Prix de Rome in 1774 Oath of the Horatii 1784-85, oil on canvas Enlightenment belief: art = improve society Three son of Horace, pledging oath to State. Men=loyal to state Female=loyal to family ties
Death of Marat Marat was a Jacobin, supported the Reign of Terror in Paris during FRevo Partly responsible for 1792 riots Combined Neoclassical style with Caravaggesque naturalism
Talk A Mile A Minute Partner up! Each winning group receives one extra credit point
Oath of the Horatii Angelica Kauffmann Neoclassical Rococo
painterly grand manner portraiture Death of Marat Antonio Canova