Neoclassicism
Neoclassicism A clear reaction against the ornate Rococo Style Inspired by the Enlightenment – Reason not emotion should dictate art – Use line to appeal to intellect, not color which appeals to the senses. Depicted tales of ancient history or mythology – As opposed to frivolous party scenes of Rococo Principle replaced pleasure Paintings underscored the moral message of patriotism
Characteristics Severe, precisely drawn figures Figures in foreground without the illusion of depth (like Roman relief sculpture) Brushwork was smooth to appear polished Backgrounds generally included roman features (arches and columns) Symmetry and straight lines replaced irregular curves
Jacques-Louis David Considered the founder of neo-classicism French Traveled to Rome—breakthrough inspiration Supporter of the French Revolution for which some of his art served as propaganda Thrown in jail after Revolution Became the head of Napoleon’s art program His advice: “Never let your brushstrokes show”
Jacques-Louis David Oath of the Horatii 1784 oil on canvas approximately 11 x 14 ft.
Jacques-Louis David Death of Socrates 1787 oil on canvas 51 x 77 1/4 in.
Jacques-Louis David The Death of Marat 1793 oil on canvas approximately 5 ft. 3 in. x 4 ft. 1 in.
Jacques-Louis David The Coronation of Napoleon oil on canvas 20 ft. 4 1/2 in. x 32 ft. 1 3/4 in.
Jacques-Louis David Napoleon Crossing the Alps oil on canvas
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres Pronounced ANN gruh Was a member of David’s studio at just 17 His use of line later inspired Picasso, Matisse, and Degas (“draw many lines”-Ingres) Competed with the new Romanticism movement (sometimes straying from his strict neoclassical techniques), especially Delacroix and Gericault.
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres Apotheosis of Homer 1827 oil on canvas 12 ft. 8 in. x 16 ft. 10 3/4 in.
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres Grande Odalisque 1814 oil on canvas 2 ft. 11 in. x 5 ft. 4 in.
Neoclassicism: Architecture What do you recognize based on your knowledge of Greek and Roman architecture?
Jacques-Germain Soufflot The Panthéon (Sainte-Geneviève) Paris, France
Pierre Vignon La Madeleine Paris, France
Pierre Vignon La Madeleine Paris, France
Antonio Canova Paulene Borghese as Venus 1808 marble life-size
Antonio Canova Paulene Borghese as Venus 1808 marble life-size
Karl Gotthard Langhans Brandenburg Gate Berlin, Germany
Richard Boyle and William Kent Chiswick House near London, England begun 1725
Richard Boyle and William Kent Chiswick House near London, England begun 1725
John Wood the Younger The Royal Crescent Bath, England
James Stuart Doric Portico Hagley Park, Worcestershire, England 1758