Art and Morality?
The Classical Era
The 18th century was the Age of Enlightenment, a reaction to the industrial revolution. Morality in art went from not being emphasized in the playful decorative style of Rococo art to a significant role in Neoclassical art.
The first shift at the beginning of the century was from the monarchy toward the aristocracy. The aristocracy had tremendous wealth and political power. The pursuit of leisure, romantic intrigue, luxury, and excess was the driving force of this period and was reflected in the arts of the Rococo style. The overly sweet, fluffy pastel colors, light brush strokes, rich people having fun with a touch of naughty mischief.
Neoclassicism arose as a reaction against the sensuous and frivolous Rococo style. Artists began to shift and adopt a moral subject matter from Roman history. They celebrated the simple, plain, stern attitude and stoic virtue of the Roman Republic. (Irwin) Neoclassical art was aimed at the masses on the verge of the French and American Revolutions. Although Les Miserables takes place after the French Revolution, I feel that this song encompasses the feelings of the neoclassical period.
ROCOCO
The Swing
Artist: Jean-Honoré Fragonard
Date: 1767
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Period: Rococo
Location: Wallace Collection, London
The Swing by Jean-Honoré Fragonard is one of my favorite Rococo art pieces. It’s over the top in sweet playfulness with a touch of naughtiness. (“Exploring Fragonard's The Swing”)
I have read several conflicting stories about who commissioned this painting, but they all have the same basic plot. A wealthy aristocrat asks Fragonard to paint a scandalous painting of him and his mistress.
The Artist
Jean-Honore Fragonard
Perrin Stein wrote that Jean-Honoré Fragonard embodied the freedom and curiosity of the French Enlightenment. (Stein and Galitz) Fragonard was born in 1732 in Provencal city of Grasse and moved to Paris in 1738. He studied history painting at the École Royale des Élèves Protégés in Paris. His career took him to Italy, but he eventually chose not to paint for the royal and pursued his passion for creating works for private collectors. With the change to Neoclassical art, his work was no longer desired. He died in 1806 in obscurity.
The Art Elements
I will be putting this artwork on my Christmas list. Its beautiful lush, fluffy garden surrounds the maiden in her over-the-top fluffy pastel pink highlighted dress. The light brush strokes fit with the playfulness of the scene. The diagonal placement of the maiden creates motion as the older man pushes her, and she teases the younger man with the flash of her garter belt. Even the cupid statues give off a sense of playfulness as he watches the young couple play, and the one on the left puts his finger to his lips, telling all those viewing that this is a bit naughty, immoral, but good frivolous fun. (Zucker and Harris)
Can you name the famous Disney cartoon that used this naughty Painting? Do you think knowing the history of this painting it was the right choice for a Disney kids cartoon?
The Love Letter
Artist: Jean-Honoré Fragonard
Date: 1770
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Period: Rococo
Location: Metropolitan Art Museum, New York
The Art Elements
I am a fan of Jean-Honoré Fragonard. Here is another example that proves he is a master of the Rococo style. Again the fluffy curtains, the fluffy dress, even the fluffy dog. The pastel colors and the light brush strokes emphasize the playfulness of the piece. The hint of naughtiness with the maiden receiving a letter from her admirer - strictly forbidden at the time. This would make a great addition to my art collection.
An interesting fact about this painting is it was initially a series of decorative panels commissioned by Madame du Barry, the official mistress of Louis XV. Madame rejected the panels, some historians say, because they were unsuitable because they resembled too closely the lovers. (Black)
Neoclassical
The Oath of the Horatii
Artist: Jacques-Louis David
Date: 1784
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Period: Neoclassical
Location: Louve, Paris, France
This painting historians claim that people had never seen anything like it before the patrons of the museum were transfixed by it. It remains one of the best-known paintings and is what started the Neoclassical style.
The Artist
Jacques-Louis David
He was born on August 30, 1748, in Paris, France. He was the most celebrated of his day. The early death of his father had him raised by not-so-tender uncles. Jacques-Louis was a student of Joseph-Marie Vien. At 18, he was enrolled in the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture school. After several failures and depression that led him to attempt suicide, he finally reached a life goal in 1774; he won the Prix de Rome government scholarship and launched his lucrative, influential career. (McMullen)
The Art Elements
The differences between Rococo and Neoclassical are highly present in this piece. It’s a stark contrast to the carefree message portrayed in rococo art. This painting is a strong message of morals. The story is from Roman legend; rather than continue the war, the Romans selected Horatii, and the Albans selected three brothers to battle to the death. The painting depicts the brothers taking an oath to defend Rome to death.
The moral message of death for your country and self-sacrifice was very appealing at this time. The painting is full of morality messages. The three arches, the three men, and the three women are all symbolic of the holy trinity. (Black)
With the intricate details and bold solid, intense colors, the artist significantly eliminates brushstrokes, all neoclassical art details.
To Further your Study
I found a great video on the many differences between Rococo Art and Neoclassical Art. I hope you enjoy it.
Works Cited
