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Exploring Neoclassicism and Romanticism in Art

Feb 5, 2025

Arts Lesson: Neoclassicism & Romanticism

Introduction

  • Focus: Arts of the Neoclassical and Romantic periods
  • Activities to be completed following the lesson

Neoclassicism

Overview

  • Origin: Greek "neos" (new) and Latin "classicus" (first class)
  • Themes: Roman history, portrayed Roman heroes

Characteristics

  • Portrayal of Roman history
  • Formal composition
  • Use of diagonals to show emotional peaks
  • Use of local colors, overall lighting
  • Classic geostructure

Notable Neoclassical Artists & Artworks

Painters

  • Jacques-Louis David

    • "The Death of Marat": Revolutionary martyr
    • "Napoleon Crossing the Alps": Idealized view of Napoleon's crossing
    • "The Oath of the Horatii": Roman legend scene
  • Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres

    • "Portrait of Napoleon on the Imperial Throne"
    • "The Apotheosis of Homer"

Sculptors

  • Antonio Canova

    • "Psyche Awakened by Cupid's Kiss"
    • "The Washington"
  • Bertel Thorvaldsen

    • "The Christ"
    • "The Lion of Lucerne"

Neoclassical Architecture

  • Started mid-18th century
  • Influenced by classical Greece, Rome, Andrea Palladio

Architectural Styles

  • Temple Style

    • Features peristyle
    • Examples: La Madeleine de Paris, British Museum, Pantheon
  • Palladian Style

    • Based on Andrea Palladio's style
    • Notable architect: Robert Adam (White House, U.S. Capitol)
  • Classical Block Style

    • Rectangular/square plan, flat roof
    • Examples: Library of St. Genevieve, Palace Garnier

Romanticism

Overview

  • Period: 1800-1810
  • Themes: Expression of emotion, history, supernatural, social injustices, nature

Characteristics

  • Height of action, emotional extremes
  • Nature as uncontrollable
  • Dramatic compositions

Notable Romantic Artists & Artworks

Painters

  • Jean-Louis Théodore Géricault

    • "The Raft of the Medusa": Shipwreck victims
    • "The Charging Chasseur"
    • "The Insane Woman"
  • Eugène Delacroix

    • "Liberty Leading the People"
  • Francisco Goya

    • "The Third of May"
    • "Saturn Devouring His Son"
    • "The Burial of the Sardine"

Landscape Artists

  • Théodore Rousseau
  • Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot

Sculptors

  • François Rude

    • "The Departure of the Volunteers"
    • "Jeanne d'Arc"
  • Antoine-Louis Barye

    • "Hercules Sitting on a Bull"
    • "Theseus Slaying the Minotaur"

Summary

  • Neoclassical art: Late 18th century, influenced by ancient Greece and Rome
  • Romanticism: Reaction to Neoclassicism, seeking modernism and emotional expression
  • Landscape painting popularized in Romanticism

Conclusion

  • This lesson covered the first part of the third quarter's art module.
  • Activities related to this module will be provided.
  • Contact the instructor for questions via social media platforms.