The movement of neoclassicism was elevated by rejecting the popular movements of its day. Throughout the art world (centered primarily in Europe), the popular movement of the early 18th century in artistry was the Rococo style – which itself had been born as an extension to the baroque movement. To subscribers of neoclassical paintings, the rococo style embodied everything that had become degenerate about the function and aesthetics of art itself. Much like the rococo style sought to remove itself from the baroque paintings that dealt with saints, religious iconography, and the divine by focusing on the affirmation and pleasures of this life, the neoclassical painters sought to remove itself from the aloof nature of rococo. In turn, the two main ingredients that created neoclassicism became nostalgia and the romantic sentiment of rejecting contemporary society’s evils. Continue reading to THE ARTICLE »
When the name “Napoleon Bonaparte” is mentioned, the visual that immediately pops into minds is one of the former Emperor sitting on a horse, braving the stormy weather, and gesturing his hands forward to symbolize the inevitability and greatness of his conquests. This iconic image was intended by design to become indelibly linked with Napoleon Bonaparte’s accomplishments in life. The painting being alluded to is the famous, Napoleon Crossing the Alps. This picture not only embodies the allure Napoleon himself wanted to convey, but it reflects the spirit and mood of artists in that period too. This portrait was painted by the man often credited for being the most influential French painter during the neoclassical art movement, Jacques-Louis David. David personified the profound shift in societal values through his style of art: From the pre-French Revolution days of Rococo art that espoused frivolity, excess, and wealth toward more romantic, more classical, and moral-driven style of painting. Continue reading to THE ARTICLE »
With the rise of reality television, it has become banal for young girls to become child stars. Unfortunately, with the present attention deficit disorder society, their success is often brief and limited. Knowing how easily fame can be achieved as well as lost, it magnifies the impressiveness of the accomplishments of Angelica Kauffmann. Born in 1741 in Chur, Switzerland, Angelica Kauffman’s father, Joseph Johann Kauffmann had minimal success of his own as a painter. But, Angelica Kauffmann was quick to adopt his best qualities with her fascination for stark colors. At a young age, Angelica Kauffmann developed a reputation for herself that would evolve into becoming arguably the most prominent female painter of the 18th century and one of the leading artists of early neoclassical art . Continue reading to THE ARTICLE »
The story and meanings behind Rococo and Baroque architecture
Nothing in existence simply “happens.” The creation of an entity requires stimulation, conception, and nurturing – whether it be an offspring, an event, or a simple idea. The increased popularity of neoclassical architecture in the mid 18th century did not occur because of a sudden societal nostalgia to revive the architecture of classical Greece and Rome. Certainly that is part of the equation, but more importantly, architectural movements are largely provoked by disenchantment with the mundane present. Neoclassical style was a reaction against the paradigms of the Renaissance architecture – chiefly, Rococo and Baroque architecture. It was these styles that laid the fertile foundations for neoclassicism to thrive.
Likewise, the Baroque architecture that largely defined European architecture in the 17th century was a reflection and affirmation of the times. Begun in Italy, Baroque style sought to extend upon the designs of the renaissance. However, the development of the Baroque architecture was largely dictated by Continue reading to THE ARTICLE »
A desire to return to more basic
Symmetry and order
“Traditional Architecture” - NEOCLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE
There exists a popular cliché that is repeated to us – undoubtedly you have heard it- that goes: “From death arises new life.” Naturally, it is commonly associated with religious creed in the form of life after death; a message that death is not to be dreaded or feared for it produces something better and more perfect in its wake. Yet, the notion that the destruction of one entity will yield something better extends beyond theocracy. Many facets of life, politics, and idea are built on the foundations of previous or extinct entities. Nowhere is this more evident than in architecture. Neoclassical architecture represented a revolution in its truest sense. It was a reaction against the Baroque and Rococo, and an attempt to revive the essence of classical Greco Roman forms from an epoch long past. Continue reading to THE ARTICLE »
Jacques Louis David
When the name “Napoleon Bonaparte” is mentioned, the visual that immediately pops into minds is one of the former Emperor sitting on a horse, braving the stormy weather, and gesturing his hands forward to symbolize the inevitability and greatness of his conquests. This iconic image was intended by design to become indelibly linked with Napoleon Bonaparte’s accomplishments in life. The painting being alluded to is the famous, Napoleon Crossing the Alps. This picture not only embodies the allure Napoleon himself wanted to convey, but it reflects the spirit and mood of artists in that period too. This portrait was painted by the man often credited for being the most influential French painter during the neoclassical art movement, Jacques-Louis David. David personified the profound shift in societal values through his style of art: From the pre-French Revolution days of Rococo art that espoused frivolity, excess, and wealth toward more romantic, more classical, and moral-driven style of painting.
Tags: Napoleon Bonaparte, jacques louis david propaganda, jacques louis david and virtue, neoclassical paintings, jacques louis david themes, coronation of napoleon by david, neoclassicism, napoleon bonaparte accomplishmentsContinue reading to THE ARTICLE »