Enlightenment(18th Century Pluralism)

and Neoclassicism

18th Century

18th Century A philosophy of thinking freely unconnected to religion and tradition.Participatory and knowledgeable citizenryAmerican and French RevolutionsPromoted scientific questioning of previous affirmationsEmbraced progressFirst encyclopedias appearedIndustrial Revolution; England 1740sFirst Iron Bridge (Coalbrookdale, England, 1776)Ancient Roman studies required for an elite educationIncreased travel by European and Americans to Italy

Elements in Art:Geometric harmony of classical art and architectureNew innovative building materialsPortrait painting against landscapesEmphasis on RationalityMoral and honorable deedsInspire virtueLoyalty, courage,leadership

Giambattista Tiepolo, Apotheosis of Pisani Family, Ceiling fresco in the Villa Pisani, Stra, Italy, 1761-1762

Jean Baptist Simeon Chardin, Saying Grace, 1740

Chardin, Soap Bubbles, 1733-34

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6EVj6Ls_K0

William Hogarth Rake’s Progress

Thomas Gainsborough, Mrs. Richard Brinsley Sheridan, 1787

Sir Joshua Reynolds, George Augustus Eliott, Lord Heathfield, 1787

Piranesi, Carceri d'Invenzione, Imaginary Prisons,1740

Canaletto, Venetian Cityscapes, 1735-1740

Neoclassicism Late 18th CenturyRepresented the pinnacle of civilized societyGreece and Roman served as political modelsLiberty, civic virtue, morality, sacrificeAppealed to the French and American RevolutionsSpurred on by the excavations of Herculaneum, 1738Renewed admiration for classical antiquityUsed subjects and styles of ancient artGreco-Roman was extended to fashion and home décor

Neoclassical Art:Narratives of patriotism and sacrificeForce and claritySimple architectural planePropaganda Civic virtueRecords of important events in the French RevolutionPain and outrageSparseness Provide inspiration and encouragement

Jacques-Louis David, Oath of Horatii, 1784

Jacques-Louis David, Death of Marat, 1793

"I am just too unhappy to deserve your kindness"

Essay Question:

Select and fully identify two works from the slide show that were used as propaganda to shape public opinion. Citing specific examples within the works, analyze how each work conveyed its propagandistic message to its intended audience.