ArtsoftheNeoclassicandRomanticPeriod

In the middle of the 18th century, Neoclassicism was born out of rejection of the Rococo and late
Baroque styles. Romanticism began in the same era but its approach had to do with the modern
or new rather than the traditional. In this unit, you will learn about Neoclassical and Romantic
artworks. Their influences today were highly visible through the style of paintings, sculptures and
other artworks adaopted by the well-known artists internationally and also by some of our
National Artists. Some of the existing architectural structures convey the traits and
characteristics of such periods. You are going to trace the art history and characteristics of
Neoclassicism and Romanticism along with various artists that made names for each period.
Painting, sculpting and modeling are the processes and products that you will make for this Unit.

Neoclassicism and Romanticism were the movements after the Rococo period that flourished
across Western Europe and the United States which spanned approximately from the late
eighteenth to the nineteenth centuries.
NEOCLASSICISM, 1780-1840

The word neoclassic came from the Greek word neos meaning new and the Latin word classicus
which is similar in meaning to the English phrase first class. The Western movement in
decorative and visual arts was called Neoclassicism. It also applies to literature, theater, music,
and architecture that were influenced by the classical art and culture of Ancient Greece and
Ancient Rome. The Neoclassical movement coincided with the 18th century Age of Reason also
known as the Age of Enlightenment. The art style in this period was brought about by the
renewed interest in Greek and Roman classics. Neoclassical art pieces such as paintings,
sculpture and architecture generally portrayed Roman history which elevated the Roman heroes.

Characteristics: - portrayal of Roman history - formal composition - the use of diagonals to show
the peak of an emotion or moment (versus a regular moment) - local color - overall lighting -
classic geo-structure Neoclassicism: This is the renewed interest in classical ideals and forms
that influenced European and American society through idea, politics and fine arts during the
18th and 19th century. It also refers to the art forms created after but inspired by the ancient
times. This period was derived from the Classicism movement.
Classicism: This is the period in which Greek and Roman principles and styles were reflected in
society. Be careful not to interchange the two terms. Classicism refers to the art forms produced
in antiquity or inspired by it afterward, while Neoclassicism always refers to the art forms inspired
by ancient times, but created later.

NEOCLASSICAL PAINTING Neoclassical artists embraced the ideals of order and moderation in
which artistic interpretations of classic Greek and Roman history were restored to realistic
portrayals. Neoclassical painters gave great importance to the costumes, settings and details of
classical subject-matter without adding distracting details but with as much historical accuracy as
possible.
JACQUES-LOUIS DAVID (1748-1825) France Jacques-Louis David was an influential French
painter in the Neoclassical style, and considered to be the pre-eminent painter of the era. His
subjects of paintings were more on history.
Famous Artworks: THE DEATH OF MARAT (J. David)
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium David’s masterpiece shows the portrayal of a
revolutionary martyr. This is a painting of the murdered French revolutionary leader Jean-Paul
Marat.

NAPOLEON CROSSING THE ALPS (J. David) IMAGE FROM Musée national du château de
Malmaison The painting that showed a strongly idealized view of the real crossing that Napoleon
and his army made across the Alps through the Great St. Bernard Pass in May 1800.

OATH OF THE HORATII (J. David) IMAGE FROM TOLEDO MUSEUM OF ART It was a large
painting that depicts a scene from a Roman legend about the dispute between Rome and Alba
Longa. The three brothers, all of whom appear willing to sacrifice their lives for the good of
Rome, are shown saluting their father who holds their swords out for them.