Overview
This lecture covers the major Western art movements from the Renaissance to Contemporary Art, focusing on their defining features, themes, and notable artists.
The Renaissance (14th–17th Centuries)
- Originated in Italy, marked by a revival of classical knowledge and the rise of humanism.
- Used techniques like linear perspective, chiaroscuro (light and shadow), and sfumato (blurring edges) for realism.
- Introduction of oil painting enabled greater detail and vibrant colors.
- Key artists: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael.
The Baroque Period (Late 16th–Early 18th Centuries)
- Characterized by grandeur, drama, emotion, and dynamic compositions.
- Prominent use of elaborate ornamentation and dramatic light.
- Focus on powerful emotion and religious themes.
- Key artists: Caravaggio, Bernini, Rembrandt.
Rococo (Early 18th Century)
- Reaction against Baroque grandeur, emphasizing elegance, playfulness, and ornate designs.
- Known for pastel colors and themes of romance and aristocracy.
Neoclassicism (Mid-18th Century)
- Inspired by ancient Greece and Rome; focused on simplicity, symmetry, and rationalism.
- Featured heroic subjects from history, mythology, and literature.
Romanticism (Late 18th Century)
- Prioritized emotion, imagination, and the sublime in nature.
- Depicted dramatic landscapes and heroic or exotic scenes.
Realism (Mid-19th Century)
- Sought honest depictions of everyday life and social realities.
- Focused on common people and themes of poverty and labor.
Impressionism & Post-Impressionism (Late 19th Century)
- Impressionism: Captured fleeting effects of light with loose brushwork and vibrant colors.
- Key artists: Monet, Degas, Renoir.
- Post-Impressionism: Emphasized personal expression and formal experimentation; used bold colors and symbolic imagery.
- Key artists: Van Gogh, Cézanne, Seurat.
Symbolism & Art Nouveau (Late 19th Century)
- Symbolism: Used myths, dreams, and symbols to express spiritual and psychological truths.
- Art Nouveau: Featured organic forms, sinuous lines, and decorative motifs.
Early 20th Century Movements
- Fauvism: Used vivid colors and distorted forms for expressive power.
- Expressionism: Emphasized emotion and subjective experience with exaggerated forms.
- Cubism: Deconstructed reality into geometric shapes and multiple viewpoints.
- Futurism: Celebrated technology and modernity through dynamic compositions.
- Dada: Rejected logic for absurdity and anti-art.
- Surrealism: Explored the unconscious and dream imagery.
Mid–Late 20th Century Movements
- Abstract Expressionism: Focused on gesture, emotion, and large-scale canvases.
- Pop Art: Incorporated imagery from popular culture and consumerism.
- Minimalism: Emphasized simplicity, clarity, and reduction.
- Conceptual Art: Valued ideas and processes over traditional aesthetics.
Contemporary Art
- Encompasses diverse approaches and materials.
- Often addresses global, social, and political issues without a single dominant style.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Humanism — Focus on human potential and achievements.
- Chiaroscuro — Technique using light and shadow to create depth.
- Sfumato — Technique of blurring edges for realism.
- Ornamentation — Decorative elements in art and architecture.
- Impressionism — Art movement capturing transient effects of light.
- Cubism — Art style breaking forms into geometric shapes.
- Minimalism — Art movement focused on simplicity and essential forms.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review images of key works from each movement.
- Prepare notes on notable artists for discussion.
- Read textbook chapter on Modern Art movements.