Q3 Arts 9 – Module 2: Neoclassical and Romantic Period Paintings (Elements & Principles)

Neoclassical Period Function

Renewed interest in classical ideals and forms; depicted historical and mythological scenes; mirrored political and social events; taught moral virtues.

Romantic Period Function

Expressed strong emotions; included themes of history, supernatural, injustices, and nature; revived medievalism; valued individualism and imagination.

Neoclassical Painting

Artwork focused on classical ideals, realistic details, and moral messages.

Romantic Painting

Art that emphasizes emotion, nature, dramatic moods, and individual imagination.

Jacques-Louis David

Neoclassical painter known for structured composition, moral messages, and classical influence.

Théodore Rousseau

Romantic painter known for emotional landscapes and textured brushwork.

Line (Neoclassical)

Combination of horizontal and vertical lines used to structure the subject, as seen in The Death of Marat.

Color (Neoclassical)

Uses sober tones; saturated colors give solid consistency to surfaces.

Balance (Neoclassical)

Paintings often divided into two balanced halves (upper and lower); neutral background balances detailed lower half.

Space (Neoclassical)

Minimal sense of space; focus on idealizing the subject instead of full room perspective.

Color (Romantic)

Gloomy and somber tones; uses nature’s real light and color; color intensity emphasizes depth.

Texture (Romantic)

Uses small textured brushstrokes; applies the impasto technique (thick paint texture).

Emphasis (Romantic)

Focus on realistic landscapes and emotional atmosphere; natural light and mood highlighted.

Space (Romantic)

Uses both open and enclosed space in landscape paintings.

Impasto Technique

Thick application of paint creating a textured surface; used in Romantic art.

Medievalism (Romantic)

Revival of medieval themes and styles to escape industrialization.

Heroic Individualism

Romantic belief that great individuals and artists influence society positively.

Moralizing Message

Neoclassical goal of teaching moral lessons through art.

Foreground

Middle ground, and background emphasized strongly in Romantic color usage.

Saturated Color

Describes strong, solid colors used in Neoclassical paintings.

Neutral Background

A characteristic of Neoclassical balance, providing calm contrast to detailed lower section.

Emotional Expression

Key theme in Romantic art; ranges from subtle to dramatic emotion.

Historical Scenes

Primary subject matter of Neoclassical artwork.

Nature Theme

Common subject in Romantic artworks, emphasizing mountains, water, forests, and sky.

Imaginary Line (Neoclassical)

Structural line guiding the composition, like the line running through Marat’s pose.

Open Space (Romantic)

Wide, expansive areas in landscape paintings.

Enclosed Space (Romantic)

Surrounded or framed areas in Romantic landscapes.

Political Reflection

Neoclassical art mirroring political situations, especially leading to the French Revolution.

Sober Tones

Muted and controlled colors used in Neoclassical paintings.

Somber Tones

Dark and moody colors used in Romantic art.

Realistic Landscape

Focus of Romantic art showing nature exactly at a specific moment.

Melancholic Atmosphere

A key emotional tone in Romantic landscapes.

Classical Ideals

Ancient Greek and Roman influences revived during the Neoclassical period.

Individual Imagination

Central value of Romantic art, rejecting strict classical rules.