c-220-61Krur751PkP-5177895260760104742

18th Century Art and DesignDuring the 18th century the world made many historical changes that have affected our world in the 21st century. The lifestyle throughout the 1700’s has very defined characteristics that influence d the art and design that was produced in these times. Art and design was a prominent factor in the lifesty les of the European’s in the 18th century. Wealthy French elite in the palace of Versailles rendered the decorative style of rococo which was popular until the start of the French Revolution when a desire to return to Roman and Greek inspired design led to the truthful era of neoclassicism. By the end of the 1700’s and early 1800’s the Romantic era had developed which focused on expression and emotion over the intellectual inspired art of the neoclassical era. All of these art styles can still be seen and practiced today as well other styles that have evolved from the initial movements of the rococo, neoclassical and romantic movements. There is a direct tie between the cultures and societies that were in power during the 18th century and the influence they had on the art movements that took place. The rococo era can most accurately be described as a wedding cake, light, curvy and full of feminine colors. Compared with the previous Baroque style, which is considered very formal, rococo was considered light hearted and entertaining. This style was created to satisfy the high demands of the noble elite, most commonly found in France and parts of Germany. Many of the wealthy French resided in the Palace of Versailles which is recognized as a place of money along with social and sexual taboo. Rococo design can be seen throughout the monumental Palace and reflects the playful and carefree lifestyle that was lived within the walls. Complex designs and specialization erupted in this era due to high demands for quality in the arts. Most of the Rococo style can be reflected in paintings and ornamentation. Paintings usually consisted of entertaining subject such as hunting, picnics and romance. The ornamentation were flowing patterns full of ‘c’ and ‘s’ shapes painted in colors of pinks, pale blues and light greens. Rococo style flourished until around 1770 when the French Revolution began and new artistic era of neoclassicism began gaining popularity through out Europe.People began to focus on reason and intellect within art during this time. The Baroque and Rococo era that preceded neoclassicism can hardly be compared as anything but opposite to this truthful style. Neoclassicism focused primarily on the revival of classical art. Artists wanted to put virtue back into design as well return to the ancient styles of Rome and Greece. After the ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii were founded it triggered the desire to return to more classical art forms. At this time England was captivated by the spirit of the Enlightenment and France was experiencing the French Revolution. Although neoclassicism can be seen all over Europe it was experienced most in England and France through art and architecture. The famous French painter Jacques-Louis David was a former Baroque and Rococo artist who strayed away from these styles and began to paint well-known neoclassical art with common subject matters of classical history and mythology. He was a strong supporter of the French Revolution which encouraged his taste in neoclassical style. As the neoclassical era continued to express ideas of nationalism, courage and sacrifice in England and France a new style began to brew in other parts of Europe that contrasted neoclassical ideas. During the last years in the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century a movement of art began to develop in Germany that can be defined as Romanticism. This style has been said to be filled with so much substance and content that it is hard to have one approximate definition. Opposite to the works of neoclassicism which focused solely on intellect, romantic style is completely devoted to art that aroused the senses. Romanticism lasted roughly between the years 1780- 1850, which coincides with the Enlightenment in Europe that conflicted heavily with the romantic way of thinking. Clear opposition began to develop between romantics and people of the Enlightenment. Romantics yearned to be free and believed that the Enlightenment created a barricade from emotion and creativity . People wanted art that allowed spiritual expression, emotions over reason and senses over intellect. British painter, illustrator and writer William Blake was a well known romantic artist. Some of his works included 21 copperplate etchings that illustrated the Book of Job (in the Old Testament), his poem Song of Innocence (1789) and painting Whirlwind of Lovers, all of which reflect the emotion filled style of romanticism. Unlike other artistic eras the Romantic Movement only consisted of paintings, music and literature not architecture or sculptures. These romantic illustrat ions were created to arouse the senses and allow an escape from reality. Romanticism was a brick that helped pave the way for modernism in art. A mere illustration can’t describe this impacting movement but rather an entire set of ideas. In conclusion each artistic era was unique and has influenced the evolution of art and design in some way. The cultures and societies of the 18th century had a direct relationship with the art and design characteristics that became popular. Rococo’s playful nature and expensive quality could only be afforded by the rich. The carefree lifestyle the French led reflected the art that was created in this time. Rococo style and the wealthy elite can be directly related to each other. When people see the pastel colors, flowing lines and asymmetrical balance you can associate it with France in times of great wealth and carefree life at Versailles. As the French Revolution began the world shifted its focus from France to the powerful Britain during the Age of Reason, when neoclassicism art began to grow. The Age of Reason supported the neoclassic desire to return to intellect in art and design. Greek and Roman architecture once again became popular in designing and can still be seen today. As the Enlightenment continued to conquer an opposing Romantic era began to develop. Romanticism can be admired for its push towards modernism due to the revulsion from reason and desire for expression. Without these prominent artistic era s the history of art and design would be different and would affect the way we see art and design in out 21st century world. Some of the most beautiful and monumental artwork came from the 18th century and should continue to be appreciated.

Documents

c-220-61Krur751PkP-5177895260760104742