1780-1820 The revival of classical Greek & Roman painting, sculpture, and architecture
The late 18 th and early 19 th centuries were a time of quick and drastic change in Western society: Revolutions; The Church lost its influence on societies; Monarchies were toppled; Industrialization and urbanization filled the cities with poor dissatisfied people; the fast pace of scientific progress; the problems of unrestrained capitalism. America gained independence from England through war. France was almost bankrupt through their financial support of America. France experienced their revolution (1789-99) to rid themselves of their absolute Monarchy Louis XVI and replaced it with a democratic republic. Only eventually to be replaced by the dictatorship of Napoleon Bonaparte, who reinstated the monarchy and named himself Napoleon I, Emperor of France.
Preferred the use of cool, dignified, and imposing style that looked back to Greek, Roman, and Renaissance art and architecture. He called it Neoclassicism ( New Classicism). He saw himself as a Roman Emperor He used art to glorify his authority and promote a sense of loyalty and patriotism within the growing strength of France. The style touched every aspect of life: Furniture, style of dress, painting, sculpture, architecture, and crafts. The official academies made sure that Neoclassical ideals were upheld.
David, Oath of the Tennis Court, 1792
David, Oath of the Horatii, 1784
Neoclassicism was begun by Napoleon Bonaparte who admired the ancient classical style. The purpose of Neoclassicism was to bring royal status on its artworks. It made direct reference to the ancient Greek & Roman past as well as the Renaissance.
The discovery, in 1738, of Pompeii and Herculaneum, two Roman cities buried by volcanic rock and ash from Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD, fuelled Napoleon s fascination with Roman history, styles, and artifacts. This led to an increased interest in Classical themes.
The Colosseum Emperor Augustus
The Pantheon
Jacques-Louis David, Oath of the Horatii, 1784
Uccello, Battle of San Romano Similarities? Scene plays out in foreground Stage-like Gestures by soldiers Pyramidal composition 3 groups Perspective elements
Raphael, School of Athens Similarities? Classical Roman architecture Figures are Roman Arches used to frame key figure
Veronese, Christ in the House of Levi Similarities? 3 Roman Arches Centre arch frames central figure 3 main groups Stage-like
Bernini, Ecstacy of St. Teresa Similarities? Pyramidal composition of women Clothing? Expression?
Began painting under King Louis XVI After the king s execution, during the French Revolution, he embraced the Neoclassical style
His paintings were intended to rouse feelings of loyalty and patriotism in his fellow Frenchmen by using allegory reference to Roman soldiers and their families demonstrating sacrifice for one s country over love or family Oath of the Horatii The Tennis Court Oath
Absolute clarity Edges are hard and crisp Figures are against a plain, neutral background Dramatic, stage-like setting Drama plays out near the viewers Use of pyramidal composition creates calmness and stability Delivers message through allegory Death of Socrates, 1787
The Death of Marat, 1794
The most favoured artist under Napoleon s reign His portraits of Napoleon always emphasized his power and/or reveal aspects of his personality What do these portraits tell us about Napoleon? Napoleon Crossing the Alps, 1800 Napoleon in His Study, 1812
Coronation of Napoleon and Josephine, 1805-07
Like most artists, Ingres spent time in Rome to study the Roman ruins He accepted the Greek philosophy that art should imitate nature, however, he thought that artists should organize nature in their paintings, leaving out what does not contribute to an orderly composition. Louise de Broglie, Countesse d'haussonville, 1845
Ingres: Apotheosis of Homer, 1827 A pupil of David and one of the main supporters of Neoclassicism s rigid rules His works show no evidence of brushwork Works are cool, analytical and undramatic Used the pyramidal composition
The Turkish Bath, 1862 Valpincon Bather, 1808
(Harem Girl) This portrait shows Ingres trademarks of polished skin surface and simple forms contoured by lines, in contrast to the irregular drapery. More Mannerist than Renaissance due to its distortion. Where? 3 extra vertibrae in her spine were added to accentuate the sensuous curves of the female nude