Class 1 -- The Baroque and Early Rococo

Question 1

Louis XIV

Answer 1

Reigning king of France for 54 years (1661-1715). Also known as the Sun King, he considered himself the center of the universe and ruled as such with an absolutist style.

Question 2

Absolutism

Answer 2

When a monarch rules without checks to their power, akin to tyranny. This is opposed to a constitutional monarchy, where a Parliament can limit the power of the monarch.

Question 3

Aristocracy

Answer 3

These were titled individuals, such as dukes and duchesses. They received these titles from the king and were rewarded with land and wealth along with the title.

Question 4

French Academy (Académie Royale de peinture et de sculpture)

Answer 4

This is the most powerful art academy in Europe. It was established in 1648 by Louis XIV by royal charter and remained centrally controlled and organized. Notably, this academy sets the tone of taste for the next 300 years by creating a hierarchy of genres.

Question 5

Charles Le Brun

Answer 5

This artist became the director of the French Academy in 1663 and painter for the king in 1662. He was also an interior designer for the Hall of Mirrors inside the Palace of Versailles. Most notably, he established the course material for followers of the French Academy: Disposition, Drawing and Proportion, Expression, Color, and Light.

Question 6

The (French) Salon

Answer 6

The annual (yearly) art exhibition of the French Academy. This was held in the Louvre in the salon of Apollo, hence the nickname “salon.”

Question 7

The Grand Manner

Answer 7

This was a treatise written by Poussin. It established 4 requirements: Subject matter (must be ‘historic’), Thought (intellectual process), structure (compositions easy to read), style (try not to stand out, standard representation).

Question 8

Hierarchy of Genres

Answer 8

This determined art that was deemed more or less important according to subject matter, and subsequently the value of each genre. From most to least important, it goes: history painting, portraiture, genre (low-life subjects), Animal painting, Landscape painting, Nature mort (still life). History painting is considered most important because it is the art of human accomplishments, meant to represent mankind’s impact on the world.

Question 9

Portrait of Louis XIV

Answer 9

Hyacinthe Rigaud

Question 10

East Facade of the Louvre

Answer 10

Claude Perrault and Louis Le Vau

Question 11

Palace of Versailles

Answer 11

Louis Le Vau and Jules Hardouin-Mansart

Question 12

Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glâces), Palace of Versailles

Answer 12

Charles Le Brun

Question 13

Et in Arcadia Ego

Answer 13

Nicolas Poussin