Chapter 29: 18th Century Art in Europe and the Americas

Magister RicardArt History

Major Developments

• The Enlightenment• Rococo Style emerges in Europe• Italy and its Classical Revival• Revivals in Britain – Classical and Gothic• Neoclassicism and Romanticism in Britain• Neoclassicism response in France to Rococo

The Enlightenment

• Europe started the 18th century in a semi-feudal state– Economic and political power was centrally-based– Aristocratic class held most of the power

• By the end, industrial manufacturing would shift the economic paradigm

• The Enlightenment pushed thinkers, philosophes, to improve the institutions of mankind– Nature is both rational and good– Observation of natural laws could lead to happiness for

mankind

ROCOCO STYLE IN EUROPEChapter 29

Rococo Style in Europe

• Portugese barroco – irregularly shaped pearl• French rocaille – shell or rock ornament used in

gardens• Elegant designs and pastel color base• Frivolous, playful subjects• Curves and dainty figures• Favored by aristocratic class which were more

concerned with pursuit of pleasure• Mainly developed in France in wake of Louis XIV

Italy and Classical Revival

• The Grand Tour – the completion of an aristocratic education was a tour of the major cultural sites of Europe

• Paris, Venice, Florence, Naples, and Rome• This heavily inspires the growth of

Neoclassicism during the Enlightenment• Pleased the senses and taught moral lessons• Was a reaction to frivolity of Rococo• Pompeii and Herculaneum discovered in 1738

NEOCLASSICISM IN ENGLANDChapter 29

Neoclassicism in England

• Alexander Pope translated the Homer into English

• Wrote his own poetry in iambic pentameter• Women started to wear white muslin gowns

to look “classical”

EARLY ROMANTICISM IN ENGLANDChapter 29

Romanticism in Britain

• Challenged the Enlightenment’s focus on scientific observation, intellect

• Stressed the emotions and the subjective existence of the irrational side of human nature

LATER 18TH CENTURY ART IN FRANCE

Chapter 29

FRENCH NEOCLASSICISMChapter 29

18TH CENTURY ART OF THE AMERICAS

Chapter 29