In-Depth Notes on French Political History and Art in the 18th and 19th Centuries

Neo-Classical Influences and 18th-Century Republican Revolutions

  • John Trumbull:

    • Painted the Signing of the Declaration of Independence (1776).

    • Trained as a neo-classical painter in London and served as an officer under George Washington.

    • His works were significant in the neo-classical Capitol building in Washington D.C.

  • Context of Events:

    • 1776-1783: American War of Independence; France's assistance during the war left it in debt.

    • Poor harvests and a growing population resulted in famine, increasing public discontent against the nobility.

    • Nobility and monarchy's privileges created significant resentment among the common people.

  • Jacques-Louis David:

    • Premier neo-classical painter actively involved in the French Revolution.

    • Notable paintings include:

    • The Oath of the Horatii (1785)

    • The Lictors Bringing to Brutus the Bodies of His Sons (1789)

The French Revolution and Its Aftermath

  • Estates General and the National Assembly:

    • King Louis XVI summoned the Three Estates (nobility, clergy, and the Third Estate), which was 98% of the population but could be outvoted.

    • The Third Estate formed the National Assembly on June 17, 1789.

  • The Tennis Court Oath:

    • The Third Estate vowed not to separate until a constitution was established.

    • This marked a critical turning point in the revolution.

  • Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789):

    • Viewed as the beginning of the French Revolution; protesters sought arms to defend the National Assembly.

  • Political Change:

    • King Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette executed as a result of royalist resistance during the radical Jacobin period.

    • The Jacobins implemented significant social reforms but also instituted the Reign of Terror, leading to the execution of perceived enemies, including Jacobin Marat, in 1793.

  • Napoleon's Rise:

    • 1799: Coup d'état, leading to Napoleon's role as First Consul.

    • 1804: Proclaimed Emperor of France.

    • Maintained power through censorship, creating a police force, and military campaigns to spread revolutionary ideals.

Napoleonic Era and Its Impact

  • Art under Napoleon:

    • Significant artists include David and Antoine-Jean Gros.

    • Napoleon’s self-portrayal as a neo-classical hero.

    • Key artworks:

    • Napoleon Crossing the St. Bernard Pass (1800-1801)

    • Coronation of Napoleon (1806)

  • Military Campaigns:

    • Major battles include defeats of Austria and Prussia, and invasions into Spain.

    • Nationalism and political consequences brought new artistic movements.

Shift towards Romanticism and Nationalism

  • Post-Napoleonic Era:

    • Reaction against neo-classical art led to Romanticism focused on personal feeling and nationalist themes.

    • Artists like Goya and Friedrich depicted the struggles of their nations.

  • The Bourbon Restoration (1815-1829):

    • The monarchy became increasingly reactionary, leading to the Revolution of 1830.

Rise of Realism Amidst Democratic Revolutions

  • Transition to Realism:

    • Artists like Courbet and Millet focused on real-life subjects, especially in labor and society.

  • 1848 Revolution:

    • Resulted in the establishment of the Second Republic with universal male suffrage.

    • Characterized by movements toward democratic reforms across Europe.

  • Influential Works:

    • Daumier’s critique on royal power reflected in Gargantua (1831).

    • Courbet's The Stonebreakers (1849) exemplifying Realist roots.

Second Empire and the Third Republic

  • Louis Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleon III):

    • Elected President of the Second Republic, later staged a coup to become Emperor.

    • His regime aimed to modernize France and expanded its colonial efforts.

  • Realism under the Second Empire:

    • Paintings reflected both traditional and critical aspects of society, with works from Manet demonstrating realism's critical stance.

    • Following the Franco-Prussian War, the Paris Commune emerged, attempting to institute social reforms before being violently suppressed by the national government.

  • Establishment of the Third Republic:

    • Governed by a President and a National Assembly; authorized universal male suffrage and public education, promoting separation of church and state.

    • Artists like Monet began to redefine realism into Impressionism, capturing modern Paris.