Theory: (1600) Baroque, (1700) Rococo, (1750) Neo Classicism, (1800) Romanticism

(1600) Baroque:
o Is less complex
o More realistic and more emotionally affecting than Mannerism.
o This movement was encouraged by the Catholic Church, the most important patron of the arts at that time, as a return to tradition and spirituality.
o One of the great periods of art history
o Caravaggio, Annibale Carracci, and Gianlorenzo Bernini developed Baroque Art, among others. This was also the age of Rubens, Rembrandt, Velбzquez, and Vermeer. Moving away from classic idealism into realism
o Roman Catholic church was highly influential during this time
o Incorporating everyday life into art
o Influenced by religion, society and politics
o Chiaroscuro main characteristic associated with Baroque
o Characteristics of painting :-Movement Energy Chiaroscuro Dramatic figures Intricate detail Interesting textures Blurred edges Feeling of Infinite space

"Supper at Emmaus"
Carravaggio
oil on canvas, 54 X 76
1600-01



(1700) Rococo:
o His style consisted of delicate colours and gentle forms painted within a frivolous subject matter. .
o These works mirrored the frolicsome, artificial and ornamented decadence of the French aristocracy of the time.
o Tended towards lightness, elegance, delicacy and decorative charm
o Naturalistic detail
o When you think rococo think pretty and fancy… lace and charm
o Gave way to neoclassicism
o Rococo was the reaction against the ponderous and formal atmosphere of baroque

o Referred to as the “AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT”
o INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION:
Throughout the 18th century in France, a new wealthy and influential middle-class was beginning to rise, even though the royalty and nobility continued to be patrons of the arts.
o Upon the death of Louis XIV and the abandonment of Versailles, the Paris high society became the purveyors of style.
o This style, primarily used in interior decoration, came to be called Rococo.
o The term Rococo was derived from the French word "rocaille", which means pebbles and refers to the stones and shells use to decorate the interiors of caves.
o Shell forms became the principal motif in Rococo.
o In the society women competed for the best and most elaborate decorations for their houses. Hence the Rococo style was highly dominated by the feminine taste and influence.
o Boucher won fame with his sensuous and light-hearted mythological paintings and landscapes.
o He executed important works for both the Queen of France and Mme. de Pompadour, Louis XV's mistress, who was considered the most powerful woman in France at the time.
o Boucher was Mme. de Pompadour's favourite artist and was commissioned by her for numerous paintings and decorations.
o Boucher also became the principal designer for the royal porcelain factory and the director of the Goblins tapestry factory.
o Characterized by elegant and refined yet playful subject matters, Boucher's style became the epitome of the court of Louis XV.

"Toilette de Venus"
François Boucher
108 X 85
1751




(1750) Neo Classicism:
o A nineteenth century French art style and movement that originated as a reaction to the Baroque.
o It sought to revive the ideals of ancient Greek and Roman art.
o Neoclassic artists used classical forms to express their ideas about courage, sacrifice, and love of country.
o Jacques-Louis David and Antonio Canova are examples of neo-classicists.



"The Oath of the Horatii"
Jacques-Louis David
oil on canvas, 329.8 X 424.8
1784/85


















(1800) Romantacism:

"Saturn Devouring his Son"
Francisco de Goya
oil on canvas, 146 X 83
1819-1823