Flashcards - Modern Art of the 20th & 19th Centuries; Impressionism and Beyond!

Modern Art Overview

• A progression from traditional art styles to contemporary forms.

• Key figures mentioned: Grieg, Debussy.

Themes in Early Modern Art

• Common Themes:

  1. Uncertainty/Insecurity – Reflects a societal shift.

  2. Disillusionment – Reaction against earlier ideals.

  3. The Subconscious – Exploration of deeper mind.

  4. Overt Sexuality – Breaking societal taboos.

  5. Violence & Savagery – Acknowledgment of darker aspects of humanity.

Impressionism

• Claude Monet: Known for capturing the effects of light and atmosphere.

  • Key Works:

    • Sunrise (1872)

      • Focuses on daily life guided by emotion.

      • Emphasis on outdoor settings, modeled forms reacting to surroundings.

    • Snow at Argenteuil (1875)

    • Women in the Garden (1866)

• Important Aspects of Impressionism:

  • Representation of real-life scenes, subjective interpretation, rejection of traditional art rules.

Post-Impressionism

• Paul Cézanne: A pivot towards personal interpretation of nature.

  • Key Works:

    • Mount Saint Victoire (1902)

      • Focus on structure (cylinder, sphere, cone) and color.

    • Pyramid of Skulls (1901)

• Vincent Van Gogh: A significant figure in Post-Impressionism.

  • Key Work:

    • Self Portrait (1888)

Transition to Modernism

• Notable shift in art styles over a decade, moving towards what is now known as modern art.

Defining Modernism

• Key Movements:

  1. Expressionism

  2. Cubism

  3. Abstract Art

  4. Fauvism

  5. Secessionism

Expressionism

• Edvard Munch: The Scream (1893)

  • Use of vivid colors to convey emotion.

• Franz Marc: Animal Destinies (1913)

• Wassily Kandinsky: On White II (1923)

• Paul Klee:

  • Red & White Domes (1914)

  • Senecio (1922)

Cubism

• Georges Braque: Innovator in Cubism

  • Focus on abstract form, analyzing and reassembling subjects.

  • Key Works:

    • Violin & Candlestick (1910)

      • Concept of treating nature in geometric forms.

    • Woman with a Guitar (1913)

    • Still Life: LeJeur (1929)

Pablo Picasso

• Major contributions to Modern Art with innovative styles.

  • Key Works:

    • Les Demoiselles d'Avignon (1907)

    • Studio with Plaster Head (1925)

    • Woman with a Flower (1932)

Fauvism

• Henri Matisse: Pioneered emotive color use.

  • Key Work:

    • Open Window (1905)

    • Characterized by wild, intense colors reflecting emotional responses.

• André Derain: Known for vibrant self-portraits and landscapes.

Secessionists

• Gustav Klimt: Challenged societal views through art.

  • Key Works:

    • Judith I (1901)

      • Explores themes of sexuality and despair.

    • The Kiss (1907-8)

    • Danae (1907-8)

Conclusion

• The journey of modern art is just beginning. More developments and movements will emerge.