Age of Enlightenment Art of Science and Nature in Europe and America in 1700-1800 Historical Background During the 1600s

s a series of philosophers and scientists had turned toward the acquisition of knowledge through the scientific method. A natural order was then seen to exist in the world. Mankind was seen as inherently good, governments and the church seen as the corrupt places they largely had been. Art then takes on a philosophical message rather than a political or religious one. This line of thinking led to both the French and Industrial Revolutions (the two biggest causes of our modern world). In the world of art, the Enlightenment led to an emphasis on naturalism and derision of Rococo frivolity. Major Enlightenment Thinkers Rene Descartes Blaise Pascal Isaac Newton John Locke Voltaire Jean-Jacques Rousseau Glorification of Science Wright glorifies the world of science in the scene. Shows the influence of Caravaggios tenebrism, with the same heightened sense of realism, intense focus of the subjects, and drama. Note on the next slide and this one how unlike Caravaggio/Baroque era, the emphasis is not on religion, but the worship of science. Glorification of Science Return to Naturalism Jean-Jacques Rousseaus philosophies espoused the inherent goodness of mankind and the importance of base feelings over ideas. Many embraced his ideas, esp. as a rejection of Rococo arrogance/frivolity. The natural state of the peasant was then seen as the ideal. French Villager Paintings Here, in Chardins Saying Grace, the simple country home (and composition of the piece) with the mother teaching the innocent young children to say prayers embodies everything opposite of the Rococo era. French Villager Paintings Greuzes Village Bride again shows the sentimentality and reverence to the country family as the important moment of the marriage agreement occurs. Satirical Works Englands William Hogarth embraced the satirical scene that dominated English literature at the time. Here, he mocks the aristocratic marriage and their various infidelities. Note the languid expression of both, the servants prayer over the unpaid bills, the house in disarray, the hidden erotic painting next to the religious figures in the background. The other five pictures from the sequence Marriage a la Mode are shown on the next slides. Look for the satire of aristocracy in those pictures as well. Marriage a la Mode #1

Marriage a la Mode #3 Marriage a la Mode #4 Marriage a la Mode #5 Marriage a la Mode #6 Grand Manner Style A new portraiture style arose during the Enlightenment era as well to celebrate the natural traits of honor, dignity, heroism, etc. Known as Grand Manner Style the focus is on: large scale of the figure landscape setting controlled pose and dignified look symbolic elements to connect with the sitters positive traits Grand Manner Style American Paintings Note the strong contrast between the Grand Manner Style and the simple, yet refined portrait used in Copleys Portrait of Paul Revere Note the relaxed position, casual clothing, direct, almost conversational look, naturalistic details in the reflection and teapot, and sparse setting. However, it still retains the sense of dignity, simplicity (silversmith was his occupation), and seriousness. Grand Tour/Picturesque Art Another key element of naturalism in the Enlightenment era comes from the Grad Tour paintings. As wealthy and educated individuals had more opportunity to travel, extensive tours of Europe became commonplace. These travelers looked for a way to remember their trips and highly realistic postcard like paintings became popular. Grand Tour/Picturesque Art Antonio Canaletto became the most popular of the Grand Tour painters. His use of camera obscura and attention to detail allowed him to create these sought after pieces of Venice. Grand Tour/Picturesque Art