Tag 18th Century Art

18th-century art was characterised by a shift in artistic styles and subjects, reflecting the time’s changing social and cultural landscape, and the period witnessed the emergence of Rococo, an ornate and playful style characterised by delicate details, pastel colours and themes of romance and luxury, exemplified by artists such as François Boucher. Additionally, the later part of the century saw the rise of Neoclassicism, which drew inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman art, focusing on simplicity, clarity, and moral ideals, with artists like Jacques-Louis David leading the movement. 18th-century art reflected the aesthetics and values of the Enlightenment era and played a significant role in shaping the artistic developments of subsequent centuries.

Wanderer above the Sea of Fog by Caspar David Friedrich, 1818

Romanticism

Romanticism in art is a movement that originated in Europe in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century. It was a reaction against the rationalism and order of the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution. Romantic artists sought to capture emotion, passion, and the beauty of nature in their work. They often depicted dramatic scenes, exotic landscapes, and powerful emotions. Romanticism in art was characterised by an emphasis on individualism, imagination, and the supernatural.

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Chest of drawers by Charles Cressent, 1730

Rococo

Rococo art, a style that emerged in the 18th century, quickly gained popularity throughout Europe, becoming a symbol of elegance, refinement, and lightheartedness. Its influence was profound, characterised by intricate, asymmetrical designs, use of curves and scrolls, and an emphasis on pleasure, leisure, and the pursuit of happiness. Rococo art is renowned for its focus on sensuality and eroticism, conveyed through the use of soft, curvaceous forms and suggestive poses. This movement's departure from the Baroque era's grandeur and religious themes reflected a broader cultural transition towards indulgence, sophistication, and palpable lightness.

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The Attributes of the Arts by Anne Vallayer-Coster, 1769

Neoclassicism

This post provides an overview of the Neoclassical art movement that emerged from the mid-18th to the mid-19th century. It discusses the movement's origins and characteristics, including its adherence to classical themes and styles, emphasis on order and symmetry, and idealised realism. The post also explores the movement's impact on painting, sculpture, and architecture and its lasting influence on art.

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The Night Watch, Rembrandt, 1642

Baroque

The Baroque period, a response to the Counter-Reformation, was characterized by a grand, ornate, and dramatic style in art. The Church, as the primary patron of Baroque art, aimed to inspire piety and devotion in the faithful. The period was a time of political upheaval and social change, including the Thirty Years' War. Baroque art, with its grandeur, drama, dynamism, and emotion, used dramatic lighting, intense colours, and exaggerated forms to create emotionally charged and theatrical works. This emphasis on drama and emotion is a key aspect of the Baroque period. The era was filled with famous artworks, including Caravaggio's The Calling of Saint Matthew and Diego Velázquez's The Triumph of Bacchus.

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