MODERNISM 2 JMW Turner, Rain, steam and speed, oil on canvas, exhibited 1844

Review of last session The Modern era (“Modernity”) started around time of The Enlightenment (aka The Age of Reason) in 18 th Century, although Enlightenment ideas themselves have earlier roots in Renaissance. Map of human muscles in Diderot’s Enclycopedia, mid 1700s

Ideas that slowly became popular around 18 th century included: The importance of truth and authenticity Increase in scientific discovery and ideas. The idea of democracy as a universal idea; The idea that history, like technology, rolled out in linear fashion, from one thing to another, ever improving. (This implies that we are a lot smarter and better than 100 years ago…???)

Move away from superstition; the idea of the superiority of reason. Lessening of the influence of the Christian Church, and of the aristocracy (kings & queens etc.) Increasing sense of National identities during this period (In Australia, Federation occurred in 1901.) Tom Roberts, Opening of Federal Parliament 1901

These Enlightenment ideas are called ‘dominant narratives’ – (they are stories that societies tell themselves about how the world works.) Our society is still based on Enlightenment ideas to a large extent.

So… how did this effect art practice? The development of the idea of the artist as a individual; a sole genius. This is an important change. In previous times, the artist was NOT considered as a gifted individual, but rather as an artisan or craftsman, who was hired by rich patrons (the church; nobility.)

Classical tradition (Neoclassicism) In 18 th century, archeology was a new science. Discoveries were made of ancient Greek and Roman buildings, statury in Italy; Greece. Artists and architects were inspired by these ancient Classical structures… it was seen as perfection in art, and worth copying. Kauffmann, Telemarchus and the Nymphs of Calypso 1782

The idea of copying classical forms became a practice, and the primary way of teaching young artists was to have them copy classical sculptures and figures. This idea was still prevalent up into the 19 th century, with the emphasis on proportion; harmony; and simplicity. Mengs, Apollo and the muses on Parnassus, engraving 1784

Greek art was regarded as the epitome of great art. These ancient artworks did NOT copy nature…they were ‘brain-born images’, i.e. work that was devised in the mind. This was regarded as SUPERIOR to nature. Laocoon and his sons, marble, Roman c. 140BC, copy of Greek bronze statue.

These ideas were taken up by the Academies in both France and England. The French Academy started in the 17 th century, with the idea of protecting and promoting the nation’s culture. (An Enlightenment idea.) Academy painting was taught at the École des Beaux-Arts (School of Fine Arts) and was very strongly focused on the tradition and history of art-making. The art of the Academy was based on the Classical tradition. Cabenal, The birth of Venus, 1863

Same year…..different world described. Manet, Luncheon on the Grass, 1863

Academy (neoclassical) ideas… Respect the “hierarchy of genres” (in order: History paintings ; then scenes of everyday life (called “scènes de genre” or genre painting), portraits, landscapes and finally still-lifes. Drawing is more important then colour. Because a line is not found in nature. Art was all about the human intervention in the interpretation of nature. Nature just of itself was not satisfactory. So a line, is a human thing; a way of describing forms. A line was more spiritual and abstract and artful than concentrating on colours, which of course are found in nature normally.

Give emphasis to study of the nude…this was seen as the highest virtue; and not merely to copy it, but to idealise it. To put your interpretation over the reality of what you see. Work in the workshop, not en plein aire, as the Impressionists made a habit of doing. The artist’s hand (brush)not to be noticed. The illusion must remain intact. (Remember the ‘window on the world’ illusion that was created by linear and aerial perspective in Renaissance.)

Ingres…100% Academy Approved. Idealised nude Odalisque in Grisaille 1819

THE SALON The Salon, started in 1667 and held originally in the Louvre was a huge exhibition held annually, organized by the Academy, where people could come and visit and see what ‘good art’ was all about. Unlike now, there were very few places where artists could exhibit their work. It was very important to have your work accepted by the Salon (and that meant, by the Academy.)