Art History: Exam 2
What is meant by the term "academic art"? In what ways did the Impressionists break from the tradition of the Academy? Give examples of Impressionism that display the characteristics of the style.
Academic art, or academicism or academism, is a style of painting, sculpture, and architecture produced under the influence of European academies of art. Felt very classical. Impressionists broke away from this by focusing on capturing the feelings of things and not every detail. i impressionist painting broke from the traditions of the Academie, favoring everyday subject matter, exaggerated color, thick paint application, and an aim to capture the movement of life as opposed to staged scenes. ex: 28-2 sunrise by monet
Reign of Terror
(1793-94) during the French Revolution when thousands were executed for "disloyalty"
Prix du Rome
(prize of Rome) a French scholarship for arts students, initially for painters and sculptors, that was established in 1663 during the reign of Louis XIV of France.
Modernism
A cultural movement embracing human empowerment and rejecting traditionalism as outdated. Rationality, industry, and technology were cornerstones of progress and human achievement.
Realism
A 19th century artistic movement in which writers and painters sought to show life as it is rather than life as it should be
Art Nouveau
A decorative style of art, popular in Europe and America from the 1880s to the 1930s. This style is usually characterized by flowing lines, flat shapes, and vines and flowers.
Post-Impressionism
A late nineteenth-century style that relies on the Impressionist use of color and spontaneous brushwork but that employs these elements as expressive devices.
Enlightenment
A movement in the 18th century that advocated the use of reason in the reappraisal of accepted ideas and social institutions.
Industrial Revolution
A period of rapid growth in the use of machines in manufacturing and production that began in the mid-1700s
Symbolism
A person, place or object which has a meaning in itself but suggests other meanings as well
Pointillism
A school of painters who used a technique of painting with tiny dots of pure colors that would blend in the viewer's eye
Japonisme
A style in French and American nineteenth-century art that was highly influenced by Japanese art, especially prints.
Neoclassicism
A style of art and architecture that emerged in the later 18th century. Part of a general revival of interest in classical cultures, Neoclassicism was characterized by the utilization of themes and styles from ancient Greece and Rome.
Impressionism
An artistic movement that sought to capture a momentary feel, or impression, of the piece they were drawing
Grand Manner
An elevated style of painting popular in the eighteenth century in which the artist looked to the ancients and to the Renaissance for inspiration; for portraits as well as history painting, the artist would adopt the poses, compositions, and attitudes of the Renaissance and antique models. Poussin's "formula" for successful artworks, involving three components: 1) choose great subjects (e.g. great stories from history or the bible); 2) avoid minute details (which can distract from the story); and 3) use good judgment (e.g. propriety, restraint, moderation)
In what ways did the Post-Impressionist art of the later 19th century break from the past? Describe the art of two artists who broke from the past in different ways.
Breaking away from the naturalism of Impressionism and focusing their art upon the subjective vision of the artists, rather than following the traditional role of the art as a window onto the world, artists of the Post-Impressionism movement focused on the emotional, structural, symbolic, and spiritual elements. Artists + Art: Van Gogh, Cezanne, Seurat, Gaughin. The main difference between Impressionism and Post Impressionism is the Post Impressionists use of forms that were based on geometric shapes and patterns, as well as colors that were sometimes more vivid and unnatural when compared to work that were considered to be Impressionist. liberated color and abstraction !!!!!!!!!
Complementary colors
Colors located directly opposite one another on the color wheel
Why did Neoclassicism appeal to political leaders like Napoleon in the 19th century? In what way did he use visual art as propaganda for his reign? Give examples.
Duty to a higher cause, such as one's country or its ruler, as well as the sense of decorum and appropriateness are emphasized. These qualities are seen in the increased "naturalism" of landscapes. Napoleon, embraced Neoclassicism as the ideal stylistic vehicle for linking his rule with the classical past and for expressing his imperial authority. It served as propaganda and changed how these historical powerful figures were seen. It emphasized their power and ability. ex: 27-28 A uniformed Napoleon sits comfortably astride a wild-eyed, rearing horse on a snow-covered mountainside, his bright red cape whipped by the wind.; 27-1 On March 21, 1799, in a make-shift hospital in Jaffa, Napoleon visited his troops who were stricken with the Bubonic Plague. Gros depicts Napoleon attempting to calm the growing panic about contagion by fearlessly touching the sores of one of the plague victims.; JACQUES-LOUIS DAVID, The Coronation of Napoleon, 1805-1808. Oil on canvas, 20' 4 1/2" x 32' 1 3/4". Louvre, Paris.
Fête Galante
French "amorous festival" a type of rocco painting depicting the outdoor amusement of French upper-class society
Salon des Refusés
French for "exhibition of rejects" is generally an exhibition of works rejected by the jury of the official Paris Salon, but the term is most famously used to refer to the Salon des Refusés of 1863.
Discuss the sculptural innovations of the late nineteenth century sculptor Rodin. How did he break from traditional sculptural forms and techniques? Give examples of his work.
He revolutionized the public monument by departing from the academic standards of his day in favor of emotional poses and symbolic themes. Often multi-figured monuments became sources for single figures that were presented as independent sculpture. Rodin's contribution to art was in making his sculptured figures passionate. Unlike the noble figures of Renaissance sculpture which highlighted grace, beauty, strength, and nobility, Rodin's figures appear to writhe under strong emotions. One place his influencehas shown itself is in recycled art. Rodin examples: 28-33a; The Thinker, The Kiss
How did artists from the late 19th century call attention to the 'facts' of art making?
In the 19th century, the spread of democracy and the rise of the middle class changed the equation. These ideals led to the birth of Modernism in the later 19th century through such movements as impressionism , expressionism , and Symbolism. Modernism is a concept born in the industrial revolution. Some of those techniques include blended imagery and themes, absurdism, nonlinear narratives, and stream of consciousness—which is a free flowing inner monologue.
Salons
Informal social gatherings at which writers, artists, philosophes, and others exchanged ideas
Compare Ingres's work to that of Delacroix. Which debate over aesthetic theory was behind the caricatures of the battling artists Ingres and Delacroix? How does this connect with earlier artistic debates?
Ingres belongs in many respects to the heroic age of the Greeks; he is perhaps more of a sculptor than a painter; he occupies himself exclusively with line and form, purposefully neglecting animation and colour. Delacroix, in contrast, willfully sacrifices the rigours of drawing to the demands of the drama he depicts; his manner, less chaste and reserved, more ardent and animated, emphasizes the brilliance of colour over the purity of line. Essentially, the two positions were called neoclassicism, and Romanticism. Ingres' position, neoclassicism, represented an adherence to linear design, based on the harmonies present in classical sculpture, avoiding awkwardness, with an emphasis on elegance, making color secondary, and on elevated emotion that avoids disturbed states of mind. In the work of Delacroix, we see Romanticism, which pursues gesture, dramatic light and color, embraces the overwhelming and agitated and unbalanced emotions. similar to debate btwn neoclassism and rococo
Louis XVI
King of France (r.1774-1792 CE). In 1789 he summoned the Estates-General, but he did not grant the reforms that were demanded and French Revolution followed. Louis and his queen, Marie Antoinette, were executed in 1793.
The term Impressionist was originally meant as an insult. Why did the public find the subjects, forms, and techniques of the Impressionists shocking?
More specifically, the term "Impressionist" was created by journalist and playwright Louis Leroy as an insult inspired by Monet's painting The critics and the public agreed the Impressionists couldn't draw and their colors were considered vulgar. Their compositions were strange. Their short, slapdash brushstrokes made their paintings practically illegible.
"Natural" Style
Naturalism emphasizes everyday speech forms, plausibility in the writing, (no ghosts, spirits or gods intervening in the human action), a choice of subjects that are contemporary and reasonable
Identify the formal artistic differences between Neoclassicism and Romanticism and give examples of each.
Neoclassicism is rational and intellectual, romanticism appeals to all senses and is heavily emotional. the principle distinction between neoclassicism and romanticism is that neoclassicismfocuses on objectivity, reason, and Intellect. While romanticism stresses on human creativity, nature, and emotions or feelings
How do the artistic aims of early photography coincide with those of painting from the same time? How does the rise of the prominence of photography impact painting? Give examples of photographers who were working to create fine art photography in the 19th century.
Not surprisingly, early photographers adopted the simple expedient of imitating painting in order to demonstrate that they were "serious" artists. By the turn of the present century, however, painters began to realize they were waging a losing battle against the camera's illusion of truthfulness. It hurt the propoganda pieces that were becoming more popularized. Photographers: Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre, Josiah Johnson Hawes and Albert Sands Southworth, Julia Margaret Cameron, *****Timothy O'Sullivan, A Harvest of Death, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 1863. Negative by Timothy O'Sullivan. Albumen print by Alexander Gardner, 6 3/4" ´ 8 3/4". New York Public Library (Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations, Rare Books and Manuscript Division), New York.*****
Napoleon Bonaparte
Overthrew the French revolutionary government (The Directory) in 1799 and became emperor of France in 1804. Failed to defeat Great Britain and abdicated in 1814. Returned to power briefly in 1815 but was defeated and died in exile.
Sketch Aesthetics
Painterly brush strokes (brush strokes can be seen in final piece). The painting can look unfinished and still be finished
July Monarchy
Period in France (1830-1848) where the bourgeoisie class was dominant and King Louis-Philippe was at the head of a constitutional monarchy. The monarchy eventually became too rigid and unwilling to change and was overthrown.
Marie Antoinette
Queen of France (as wife of Louis XVI) who was unpopular her extravagance and opposition to reform contributed to the overthrow of the monarchy; she was guillotined along with her husband (1755-1793)
Discuss the emergence of Realism and the characteristics of the style in the middle of the 19th century? How do the subjects of Realist paintings explore problems with social conditions during this time? Give examples to illustrate your point.
Realism, in the arts, the accurate, detailed, unembellished depiction of nature or of contemporary life. Realism rejects imaginative idealization in favour of a close observation of outward appearances. Realism arose in opposition to Romanticism, which had dominated French literature and art since the late 18th century. Realist painters often depicted common laborers, and ordinary people in ordinary surroundings engaged in real activities as subjects for their works. Realist painters replaced the idealistic images and literary conceits of traditional art with real-life events, giving the margins of society similar weight to grand history paintings and allegories
Compare and contrast Rococo and Neoclassical art in terms of subject matter and style. Make sure to identify the characteristics of the styles. Give examples of each.
Rococo art emphasized elaborate, detailed, and ornamental elements in sculpture and architecture, and more realistic representations in paintings. Neoclassicism saw a revival of classical styles and influence from ancient Greek and Roman art, architecture. Rococo came out during the age of warfare and religious confrontation (Rococo), through which many artists had drawn inspiration from. Both found the importance of color in enhancing the image of a once significant structure. Lastly, both keep its artistic value using decorative features such as paintings and sculpture for Rococo and statues for Neoclassicism. Rococo style differs from Neo-classical arts in a sense that the former had light-hearted, whimsical style of decorative art (Rococo), while the latter emphasized courage, sacrifice, nationalism, and tradition (Neoclassism). Rococo contained a lot of nudity and was very frivolous, cheeky, playful, and fun. Kinda frowned upon by neoclassicists.
Liberated color
The colors in a painting do not have to reflect the real colors of nature.
How does Neoclassicism differ from the Renaissance era's revival of the classical past? Give examples of Neoclassical art from the 18th and early 19th century to illustrate your answer.
There are also a few differences when it comes to theoretical bases; much of classicism, for instance, is based on theory and the search for perfection, while neoclassicism is often more focused on an appreciation for the ancient and a fascination with antiquity rather than embracing it as an actual way of modern life. Renaissance classicism emphasis on form, simplicity, proportion, clarity of structure, perfection, restrained emotion, as well as explicit appeal to the intellect. ex of neoclassicism 26-1 and 27-6
What role did art play in the Revolution of 1789 and its aftermath in France? Consider the messages that were being communicated to the public with art. Give examples of how art may have influenced public opinion.
They realised it is a very useful tool for changing the way people think and feel. It served as propaganda and changed how these historical powerful figures were seen. It emphasized their power and ability. ex: 27-28 A uniformed Napoleon sits comfortably astride a wild-eyed, rearing horse on a snow-covered mountainside, his bright red cape whipped by the wind.; 27-1 On March 21, 1799, in a make-shift hospital in Jaffa, Napoleon visited his troops who were stricken with the Bubonic Plague. Gros depicts Napoleon attempting to calm the growing panic about contagion by fearlessly touching the sores of one of the plague victims.; JACQUES-LOUIS DAVID, The Coronation of Napoleon, 1805-1808. Oil on canvas, 20' 4 1/2" x 32' 1 3/4". Louvre, Paris.
Which examples from the past did early leaders of the United States choose to emulate in their buildings? Do you think these choices were appropriate?
Thomas Jefferson drew great inspiration from Greece and the Pantheon. The Pantheon and other classical structures were huge examples on how the US decided to design their buildings. Thomas Jefferson chose this because of his interest in architecture, but also because of its significance in the creation of democracy in Greece. Neoclassicism being showcased within the first buildings in Washington DC to symbolize and aspire towards the first democracy is appropriate I think. It makes sense how it could set the US up for success as well, it is a nice homage.
Odalisque
a female slave in the harems of the East. It was a favorite subject of the 19th century artists in a reclining position
Romanticism
a movement in the arts and literature that originated in the late 18th century, emphasizing inspiration, subjectivity, and the primacy of the individual, emotional, appealing to all the senses.
Naturalism
a style and theory of representation based on the accurate depiction of detail.
Rococo Style
an 18th century artistic movement affecting many aspects of the arts; originated in Paris, characterized by lightness, elegance, and an exuberant use of curving, natural forms of ornamentation
History Painting
based on historical, mythological, or biblical narratives, and conveyed high moral/intellectual idea
Expressionistic
devoted to representing subjective emotions and experiences instead of objective or external reality
Fin-de-Siècle
end of the century
Abstract
existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
Grand Tour
in order to complete their education young Englishmen and Americans in the eighteenth century undertook a journey to Italy to absorb ancient and Renaissance sites
Madame du Pompadour
leading exponents of classicism. encouraged further examination of classical forms and a return to the simplicity of the period. Member of the French Court and Mistress of Louis XV Intervened in negotiations for the treaty of Versailles, ultimately leading to the diplomatic revolution
Napoleon III
nephew of Napoleon I and emperor of the French from 1852 to 1871 (1808-1873)
Avant-Garde
new and unusual or experimental ideas, especially in the arts, or the people introducing them.
Sublime
of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe
Plein Air
painting in the outdoors to directly capture the effects of light and atmosphere on a given object
Impasto
painting that applies the pigment thickly so that brush or palette knife marks are visible
Barbizon School
part of an art movement in France towards Realism in art, which arose in the context of the dominant Romantic Movement. Tonal variations, minimal color, loose brushwork and softness of form. Artists: Rosa Bonheur Jean-Baptiste Corot Millet
Second Empire
the imperial government of Napoleon III in France from 1852-1870
