In the years leading up to the French Revolution of 1789 over 90% of the country's wealth belonged to a small number of citizens.
The art that was made during this time was made for the aristocracy because they were the only ones who could pay for it. Naturally, these ridiculously wealthy people wanted art that reflected their lifestyle, values and concerns. They were really quite shallow so most of the art centered around being young and beautiful, playful flirting, having fancy clothes and lavish surroundings.
Jean-Honore Fragonard The Swing 1766-67
The Rococo style is usually very busy (gaudy if you ask me), with soft pastel colors and gently curving lines.
The subjects are fun, fanciful and flirtatious.
The young woman in the puffy, pink dress is giving the young man quite a look at what is underneath the flouncy fabric! I think later on, he'll be sipping champagne out of the dainty shoe she's kicked off in his direction !
Statues of Cupid observe the young lovers.
Germain Bouffrand Salon de la Princesse Paris, France 1737-40
The French aristocracy met for high society events in rooms like this one.
This is typical Rococo with crystal chandeliers, large mirrors, pastel color scheme, lacy, gold accents all over the place and adorable cupids overhead.
It's almost as if you've been sucked into a big Valentine's Day card!
Neoclassicism
Now, you can imagine that the hard-working masses, with no upward mobility, were getting increasingly angry as they observed the carefree lives of the aristocracy. It must have seemed very unfair that most people barely had enough for basic necessities while the wealthy few lived so extravagantly.
The working class wanted a government that provided more equality. They admired the government and legal systems of the ancient Greeks and Romans as well as the moral and social codes of Classical Antiquity.
When the poor masses were completely sick of being oppressed they started the French Revolution and a long period of violence followed.
Jacques-Louis David Death of Socrates 1787
Neoclassical art was done by the people who wanted a return to the aesthetics and didactic ideals (i.e., the looks and lessons) of Ancient Rome and Greece.
A prominent art historian of the time, Johann Winckelmann, urged artists to create art that demonstrated a "noble simplicity and calm grandeur."
Neoclassical subjects lack all of the frivolity of Rococo artwork.
The goal of most Neoclassical works (such as David's Death of Socrates) is to encourage selflessness, moral heroism, and personal sacrifice for a noble cause.
Romanticism (1750-1860)
Romanticists were responding to the increasing violence and prolonged instability around them. While the Neoclassical artists saw the political upheaval of the day as heroic and necessary to advance a noble cause, Romanticists viewed the loss of life as tragic and senseless.
Romanticism responds to the very acts of political violence Neoclassicism is attempting to inspire.
Antoine-Louis Barye Lion and Serpent 1832 (executed probably in 1847 or 1848)
The Romanticists found themselves overwhelmed by larger forces around them and felt powerless in the face of the unfolding terror.
They questioned the meaning of life and the nature of humanity.
These artworks are dramatic depictions of violent forces and senseless tragedy.
Common themes include: man against nature; man versus beast; people inflicting violence on other people; and animals attacking other animals.
It doesn't really sound all that "Romantic"does it?
