GEE3 – Reading in Visual Arts

Study Guide No. 2: History of Visual Arts

October 25, 2021

Directions: Watch the recorded lecture for Lesson 1 (Part 3): History of Visual Arts. As you go
through the topics, answer the following questions. These questions were also asked in the
recorded lecture, and this study guide will serve as your class participation for the day.

Video Lecture Link: https://bit.ly/3n5kPdU

History of Visual Arts: Rocco and Neo-Classicism

1. For you, how do you think Enlightenment influenced Rococo and Neo-classicism?

The Enlightenment had a significant impact on the arts and literature. It aided in the
development of a new art style, rococo, to replace the previous style, baroque. Instead of huge
and complicated artwork, the artwork was simple and beautiful. During the Enlightenment, the
novel was also invented to aid in the dissemination of new ideas to distant locations.

2. How do Rocco art and Neo-classicism similar and different?

Styles in both Baroque and Rococo paintings are comparable. They are distinguished by their
lavish décor and visually appealing aesthetics. Having said that, there is a significant variation in
the tone that each style provides. Rococo art is more intimate, gentle, and appealing, whereas
Baroque art is more spectacular and stronger.

Lewis, J. (2021, August 15). Baroque and Rococo Art compared: The Masculine and the

Feminine. TheCollector. https://www.thecollector.com/baroque-and-rococo-art-

compared-the-masculine-and-the-feminine/

History of Visual Arts: Romanticism and Academicism

3. How are Romanticism and Academicism different?

Romanticism is a term used to describe art that depicts "Romanticized" interpretations of

everyday life. While focusing on themes surrounding abstract ideals such as truth, beauty,
justice, or love rather than narrative or portrayals of historical events, Romantic painters still
emphasized the emotional components of their art. As a reaction to Romanticism, Academism
revives and explores masters' ancient approaches in a precise and technical manner, attempting
to duplicate the particular as many times as possible. Precision and devotion to original detail
became more essential than inspiration and innovation, and these painters chose a study over a
muse. From the 17th through the early 19th centuries, this was a popular style.
Romanticism, Academism, and Realism. (2017, November 15). Highbrow.

https://gohighbrow.com/romanticism-academism-and-realism/

History of Visual Arts: Modernism

4. If you create an artwork, which style would you use and why??

Post-Impressionist style, because I am a fan of Van Gogh.

History of Visual Arts: Contemporary Art

5. Why do you think contemporary art has no distinct feature or a single characteristic?

There is no single universal definition of visual art, although there is widespread

agreement that art is the purposeful production of something beautiful or meaningful
via the use of talent and imagination. The definition and perceived worth of works of art
have evolved over time and across civilizations. There is no single universal definition of
visual art, although there is widespread agreement that art is the purposeful production
of something beautiful or meaningful via the use of talent and imagination. The
definition and perceived worth of works of art have evolved over time and across
civilizations.

6. If you create an artwork in the contemporary period, what issue/s will be your central
theme and why?

If I were to make an artwork, the key topic may be the global concern of the COVID-19 epidemic.
It has an impact on many people's lives, therefore everyone will get the message or have their
emotions touched at some time, especially the front-liners and those who have lost loved ones.