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.