18th century Flashcards
Why did Catholic France not adopt the dramatic style of the Catholic Counter-Reformation? What style of art did the king prefer?
They had a strong monarchy, therefore king did not tolerate Protestantism. He loved the classical (classicism) and this is what is seen in the Palace of Versailles
The aristocrats of the French court softened his style into the Rococo. Where did these aristocrats primarily put this art? What are the primary stories of the Rococo style? What are its visual characteristics?
They put this art in their living spaces or anything that they owned. The stories are centered around love. Rococo has pastel colors and loose brushwork (fuzzy, hazy looking) and this can be summed up as classicism softened.
The French revolutionaries of 1789 realized that they could use art as a propaganda tool. But they consciously rejected the predominant Rococo style. Why? (i.e., what associations did it carry?)
Rejected Rococo because it symbolized hierarchy or elitism.
The style of the French revolutionaries of the 18th century is called Neoclassicism or “new classicism.” Why did the revolutionaries look to the classical past for their inspiration? (i.e., what did they think art needed to be? Think about that term exemplum virtutis)
Art needed to be an example of moral virtue. This is how we are meant to behave, how we are different from others (civic duty, patriotism, responsible citizenship)
The Oath of the Horatii
story: Rome agreed to resolve a dispute with state Alba by a duel. Three brothers Horatii, curiatti, poignantly. This painting shows the taking of the oath to defend Rome. The killing Camila was because she was putting her sentiment above the duty of Rome
Gestures of figures: idealized, naturalistic figures; calm facial expression
space/color: bright colors on the men showing their powerfulness, muted color for the women that were not necessarily significant in the painting. Simple composition and less focus on space (three roman arches)
brushwork: no visible brushstrokes.
David “The Death of Marat” to present Marat in a very particular way. What does David want his audience to understand about Marat? What elements does he use in the painting to convince you of that opinion?
Marat was someone important to the French Revolution and what his character/service should mean to people. In the painting, Marat was dedicated till his death by doing work in his bathtub and symbolizing him as a martyr, which can be seen in his pose similar to where Jesus is being mourned after being taken down the cross.
Symbolize that dying for the revolution was similar if not the same as martyrdom in Christianity
