NEOCLASSICISM vs. ROMANTICISM
A Feb. 1st 1816 print (published J. Taylor, London) which exemplifies the contrast between neo-classical vs. romantic styles of landscape and architecture (or the "Grecian" and the "Gothic" as they're termed here). This engraved plate accompanied Humphry Repton's 1816 book Fragments on the Theory and Practice of Landscape Gardening. (Wikipedia)
Compare the two, stressing the consistent stylistic characteristics of N. in contrast with the consistent attitude that influenced R.
Include in your discussion the N. obsession with classical subject matter and the R. obsession with emotions and imagination.
Include in your discussion the N. obsession with classical subject matter and the R. obsession with emotions and imagination.
NEOCLASSICISM
STYLIST CHARACTERISTICS and CLASSICAL SUBJECT MATTER
Because of the French Revolution, the social structure began to break down and reform into a new culture. During this time there was no fantasies about the way the world can be when times are difficult. David, founder of Neoclassicism (the artist's painting is to left), wanted to bring a sense of purpose - social purpose - and political reflection in order to change society.
The classic Roman style David borrowed and added to in his work may have been chosen because Rome represented exactly what France wished to become: free from a hereditary lineage government.
STYLIST CHARACTERISTICS and CLASSICAL SUBJECT MATTER
Because of the French Revolution, the social structure began to break down and reform into a new culture. During this time there was no fantasies about the way the world can be when times are difficult. David, founder of Neoclassicism (the artist's painting is to left), wanted to bring a sense of purpose - social purpose - and political reflection in order to change society.
The classic Roman style David borrowed and added to in his work may have been chosen because Rome represented exactly what France wished to become: free from a hereditary lineage government.
Jacques-Louis David.
Oath of Horatii. 1784
ROMANTICISM
EMOTION AND IMAGINATION
The attitude of Romanticists was made up of a genuine belief in subjective vs. objective view of the world. The cynicism of Neoclassicists was replaced with a belief in the goodness of humanity and nature, and celebrated the emotionalism for life.
Although this painting depicts a horrible scene, the emotions are conveyed powerfully. There is also a softness to the strokes in the painting creating an in for our senses, both emotions and intellect.
EMOTION AND IMAGINATION
The attitude of Romanticists was made up of a genuine belief in subjective vs. objective view of the world. The cynicism of Neoclassicists was replaced with a belief in the goodness of humanity and nature, and celebrated the emotionalism for life.
Although this painting depicts a horrible scene, the emotions are conveyed powerfully. There is also a softness to the strokes in the painting creating an in for our senses, both emotions and intellect.
Francisco Goya.
The Third of May, 1808. 1814
We are taught both Neoclassicism and Romanticism absolutely agreed with "the importance of individual liberty" (326). However, the style and intention behind each of these classes of art differ greatly. With Neoclassicism, because of the political decadence of the leaders in France being overthrown, I believe David was committed to create art that was more "classic," going back to the familiar and the victorious society of Rome. In Romanticism, Goya depicts here the emotions behind the same theme of political upheaval. Instead of a straight on portrait, he draws the viewer in to experience the scene.